Scott Robertson Advocates for Policy Change to Include Overseas-Based All Blacks
All Blacks coach Scott Robertson has expressed his intention to push for a change in New Zealand Rugby’s eligibility policy regarding overseas-based players. In a bid to help New Zealand keep pace with global rugby powerhouses like South Africa, Robertson plans to ask the New Zealand Rugby board to allow players who are based abroad to represent the national team. Currently, New Zealand Rugby enforces a strict rule that bars players from being selected for the All Blacks unless they are contracted to a domestic club, aiming to prevent a drain of talent from local competitions and ensure the strength of Super Rugby and provincial leagues.
Robertson, who completed his first year as All Blacks coach with a 29-11 victory over Italy, cited South Africa as an example of how an open selection policy can benefit a national team. South Africa allows its players to play abroad while remaining eligible for international selection, which has helped them field experienced squads. This system has given the Springboks the flexibility to maintain depth and quality across their team, even into their players' 30s, enabling them to field two strong starting XVs. Robertson noted that the ability to use overseas players has contributed to South Africa’s recent success, including their World Cup victory.
Robertson intends to propose a change that would balance the need to protect New Zealand’s local competitions with the need to keep up with international trends. He is advocating for a targeted eligibility rule that would allow certain overseas players, such as Richie Mo’unga, who has earned 56 test caps, to be considered for selection. This approach would exclude less-proven players, aiming to preserve the integrity of local competitions while giving the All Blacks access to top international talent.
While other nations, such as Australia, have adopted limited overseas player selections with specific criteria, Robertson is cautious about any policy change that might weaken the domestic game. He believes that the right balance can be struck, ensuring the best players are available without undermining the competitions that feed into the national team. Robertson's proposed change would need to be carefully considered by stakeholders to ensure it supports both the All Blacks’ success and the strength of New Zealand's rugby ecosystem.
Reflecting on his first year as head coach, Robertson was satisfied with the All Blacks' record of 10 wins and 4 losses. He pointed out that their losses were all closely contested, including two tight matches against South Africa in the Rugby Championship. While pleased with the team’s strong performances, Robertson acknowledged that finishing matches has been a challenge, and there is still work to be done in terms of game management and consistency.
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