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The decisions last week by All Blacks Rieko Ioane and Mark Tele’a to leave Super Rugby have brought more attention to the issue of player Test eligibility in Australia and New Zealand.
On The Breakdown, there was also a discussion about Jordie Barrett’s potential return, and whether players competing in overseas competitions like the URC should still be considered for national selection.
It raises a bigger question: is there a way to modernise the process of Pacific (Australia, New Zealand, and wider Pacific) player movement without sacrificing the quality of domestic competitions or international performance?
Currently, New Zealand does not pick players based overseas for the All Blacks. Australia, on the other hand, allows players to be selected from international competitions — although in practice, Wallabies coaches have shown a strong preference for Super Rugby players. This preference likely exists because coaches can consistently track player performance throughout the season.
There is an exception: sabbaticals. Star players are sometimes granted permission to take temporary contracts overseas while still drawing a salary from their Super Rugby team. While this benefits the player financially, it places a significant financial burden on domestic clubs — who end up paying for players who are not contributing to the competition.
Brumbies star Len Ikitau is taking a short sabbatical with Premiership side Exeter later in the year. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
So, is there a better way to manage this?
I believe there is. Rather than removing the overseas ban entirely, it could be softened. Players who have either reached a certain age — say, 30 years old — or a specific level of Test experience — say, 70 caps — could be allowed to play in one specific overseas competition (such as Japan’s League One) while remaining eligible for national selection.
Why age 30 or 70 Tests? By that point, a player’s development is largely complete, and their reputation is well established. This allows coaches to focus on a player’s known abilities rather than ongoing potential.
Critically, restricting eligibility to only one additional league makes it manageable for national selectors. League One would be the ideal choice because of:
1) Lower physical demands – the Japanese competition is less brutal than Europe’s, reducing injury and fatigue risks for older players.
2) Strong coaching links – out of the 12 top teams in League One, eight are coached by Australians or New Zealanders, including three former Wallabies or All Blacks coaches. This makes player evaluation far easier than in competitions with fewer regional ties.
Importantly, this system would not trigger a mass exodus. Selection would still favour Super Rugby players for most positions. Those who choose to leave would either have been likely to go anyway — seeking higher pay — or would be players whose international careers are already established.
Take Mark Tele’a, for example. He’s leaving at 28, primarily for financial reasons. Under this system, he might have stayed for another two years before heading to Japan, while still remaining eligible for the All Blacks. Similarly, a veteran like Dane Coles (now 35) could depart without blocking emerging talents like Ioane Moananu or George Bell.
Mark Tele’a. (Photo by Matteo Bottanelli/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Meanwhile, Super Rugby could benefit from the return of players who left prematurely for financial reasons — offering a net gain in depth and quality.
There’s also a strong financial case. Removing the sabbatical system would save Super Rugby clubs money, ensuring they only pay for available players. Furthermore, a formal agreement with League One could even see Australian and New Zealand unions negotiate a lump-sum payment from Japan, recognising the value added by high-profile players bolstering their competition. This funding could then be distributed among the Super Rugby franchises.
Although Japan has recently tightened restrictions on foreign players, there are still 26 teams available. With the potential to grow their audience in Australia and New Zealand, Japan might be persuaded to make room for more Pacific stars.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.