Meehan envisages Super 14 temptation
August 07 2008
Bath boss Steve Meehan believes it is "quite possible" northern hemisphere players could be attracted by the prospect of playing Super 14 rugby.
The Australian Rugby Union has agreed in principle to a new rule that will allow their Super 14 sides - currently Western Force, Queensland Reds, ACT Brumbies and New South Wales Waratahs - to sign overseas stars.
The deal could see overseas players joining the Super 14 set-up as early as next year with details on the number of foreign players each side will be permitted to recruit yet to be decided.
And it could signal the start of a trend reversal, following a mass influx in recent seasons whereby top southern hemisphere imports have arrived in the Guinness Premiership, Magners League and French rugby's Top 14.
"It is quite possible we will see players go," he said.
"From an Australian point of view, they might decide to target a couple of uncapped props with great potential, for instance.
"If certain (Super 14) teams believe they are low in a particular area, then they will go out and find the right person to fill that position.
"It will be important for northern hemisphere clubs to make sure their players don't end up in a position where they can be stolen from underneath them.
"From a playing point of view, it's very different.
"Nine times out of ten, they are firm and fast tracks in Australia, and some guys would feel that would be an experience for them.
"It has also got to be appealing to the player, which means things like financially, the style of rugby, location and all those sort of things.
"So it is not just a question of 'here's another competition, off you go to wherever and play."'
The ARU will consult with Super 14 member unions, players' unions and national coach Robbie Deans before making a final submission for approval on September 5.
"We are moving towards transformation at Super Rugby level, and allowing foreign players to be involved with our teams - not for the first time - is part of that evolutionary process," said ARU Chairman Peter McGrath.
"When the game first went professional and Super 12 was launched, there was an opportunity for Australian teams to recruit overseas players.
"It proved an immensely successful venture in some instances. Patricio Noriega went on to play for the Wallabies after being signed to the Brumbies from Argentina, where he was established as a world-class prop.
"Tiaan Strauss captained the Springboks before heading to Australia to play rugby league and then Super 12 with the Waratahs. Tiaan also went on to play for the Wallabies in the back-row.
"Those cases cannot be replicated in this era. Players now are only allowed to represent one country.
"The re-introduction of foreign players, however, will have advantages for our teams, for our fans, and for overseas marquee or emerging players wanting to experience the best provincial competition in the world.
"It will, of course, be tightly controlled and managed. That is why we are still waiting on final details from management before endorsing the change."