Ardie Savea has launched a plea to New Zealand’s rugby authorities to consider following South Africa’s player eligibility rules or risk being behind the times.
Savea, the reigning World Player of the Year, is unavailable for the All Blacks after leaving New Zealand to take up a lucrative contract with Japanese League One club Kobe Steelers.
However, speaking to the New Zealand media, Savea said he would like to see the All Blacks align with the Springboks when it comes to selecting overseas-based players.
The Springboks, who beat the All Blacks in the 2023 World Cup final, have no limits on the number of overseas-based that can be called up, with half the squad that took part in the tournament in France based in the UK, Europe or Japan.
“Times are changing,” Savea said. “Things are moving fast.
“What worked five, 10, 15 years ago maybe can’t work now. We’ve just got to be innovative and smart around what we’re doing.
“The country that’s proven that it works, that it helps, is South Africa. The majority of their team’s playing [offshore] and they come together and win the World Cup.
“I don’t think it’s going to change drastically, but I just think that something needs to evolve and grow.”
Savea is just one of a large contingent of All Blacks currently plying their trade in Japan. Lock pair Brodie Retallick and Sam Whitelock, captain Sam Cane and halfbacks Aaron Smith and Richie Mo’unga all took up League One contracts after the World Cup.
“I think that’s the best thing about being out of New Zealand — I’m playing against guys from South Africa, Pacific Island boys that are from Tonga, Samoa — the Japanese brothers, Aussie brothers,” Savea said.
“I’m playing against a different variety of players, different styles, which has been refreshing and awesome. Where in New Zealand, you’re just playing against the New Zealand teams and Aussie teams.”
Photo: Hannah Peters/Getty Images
The post Savea: All Blacks must copy Boks appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Src: sarugbymag.co.za
