The Super Rugby Pacific chairman, Kevin Malloy, expressed his desire to see top players from New Zealand and Australia teams being able to switch between the two countries without losing eligibility to play for their national teams. He mentioned that having players like Ardie Savea and Richie Mo’unga playing for Australian teams could bring a significant change to the game.
Malloy suggested the idea of allowing superstar players to move within the Super Rugby ecosystem while maintaining their eligibility for their national teams. He mentioned the possibility of creating a system where top players could move between teams, enhancing competition and fan engagement.
While discussing the future of Super Rugby, Malloy revealed plans to introduce at least one more team in the competition from 2026 onwards. He also mentioned considerations for changes in the finals format and the potential of running a Super Weekend where all teams play in one stadium during Anzac Day weekend.
The debate around selecting All Blacks players from offshore has been gaining momentum, with calls for a more flexible approach similar to Australia’s Giteau law. This would allow long-serving All Blacks players to represent their country even if they are playing abroad. Players like Richie Mo’unga and Shannon Frizell, currently playing in Japan, could benefit from such a policy.
All Blacks scrum-half Aaron Smith also weighed in on the discussion, emphasizing the need for a criteria-based approach that would allow experienced players to play abroad while still representing New Zealand. He highlighted the importance of retaining talent within the country while providing opportunities for players to earn more money and contribute to the national team’s success.
The ongoing conversations and debates around player eligibility and the future of Super Rugby indicate a potential shift in the criteria for selecting All Blacks players from offshore. With key stakeholders and players advocating for a more flexible approach, it is likely that changes will be made to ensure that top talent remains in New Zealand while still being able to compete internationally.