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'Flow of players a worry'
06/12/2007 21:50 - (SA)
London - The increasing flow of leading
southern hemisphere players to European clubs may upset the
balance of Test matches, according to outgoing International
Rugby Board president (IRB) Syd Millar.
Traditional rugby powers New Zealand, Australia and South
Africa could be weakened by this trend, said Millar who is due
to make way for Frenchman Bernard Lapasset on Jan 1.
"We have New Zealanders and South Africans coming in after
the World Cup. That will decimate those strong countries," the
73-year-old Irishman said in an interview posted on the BBC's
website on Thursday.
"We've got to be very careful we don't upset the balance so
they are no longer major countries, competing at the top."
All Blacks Carl Hayman, Chris Jack, Rico Gear and Luke
McAlister and South Africa flyhalf Butch James have joined
English clubs since the World Cup.
John Smit, who captained the Springboks to victory over
England in the World Cup final in Paris in October, and fellow
forward Victor Matfield are among a number of southern
hemisphere players who have joined French clubs.
Huge attraction
The IRB is working on an integrated international calendar
to reduce to a minimum the club v country clash over the release
of players.
"The money is in Europe," said Millar. "The players
themselves would rather be at home, they will tell you that
themselves.
"There's a huge attraction in coming to Europe. They don't
have to travel, they get well paid and have already claimed
their All-Black jersey. We've got to be very careful."
Millar was also concerned about the effect of the exodus
from the south on the European nations.
"Clubs should really be developing players. We're denying
Irishmen or Englishmen or whoever the opportunity of playing if
we bring people in," he said.
"You have the example of the English soccer team. It's a
huge problem and we've got to be very careful."
Millar was referring to England's failure to qualify for the
Euro 2008 soccer finals, which led many critics to blame the
high percentage of foreign players at Premier League clubs.
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