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'I think it cheapens everything' - Call for ban on overseas Boks
By Rugby365
Bulls director of rugby Jake White has once again slammed SA Rugby for not doing enough to keep talented players in South Africa.
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White shared his views on the matter after his team’s 13-18 defeat to the Stormers in Saturday’s United Rugby Championship Final in Cape Town.
The former Springbok coach believes the rule allowing Bok coaches to select overseas players is doing more harm than good, especially for South Africa’s franchises in the United Rugby Championship.
It is a point White has repeatedly brought up in the past.
To avoid a further exodus of stars, White is standing firm in his belief that overseas players should not be considered for Bok selection.
It could mean there will be a greater appeal to represent a local franchise in a bid for green and gold honours in the future.
“It shouldn’t be allowed,” was White’s response when the whole overseas selection topic was brought up during Saturday’s post-match press conference.
“I don’t think you should allow guys to play overseas and come back and be a Springbok.
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“I think it cheapens everything that people stood for. The reality is quite simple. Why would you stay in South Africa?
“Ask every guy if he would work in London for double his salary in pounds.
“Are they going to stay and work here? Why would you do that when you can still come back [from overseas] and play for South Africa.”
White said the current policy means there could be a constant revolving door at Loftus Versfeld.
“I can build a team now with these youngsters, but in two years, they could all disappear.
“How do we make franchises stronger? It [the young talent] is lovely to see that and I am excited, but how do I know these guys are going to be in the changing room in four years.
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“Will they trust me when I am telling them that they can demolish everybody in four years’ time?
NZ rugby do not allow this to happen, & we lose plenty of them to the Northern Hemisphere. It’s been going on since rugby turned professional! Australia do it & now SA and yea it weakens local talent, maybe it’s a ploy from the North to weaken Southern Hemisphere rugby? The clubs over there pay huge money but NZ have not succumbed to the player drain! Look how many kiwis now play for England, Wales, Scotland & Ireland ( not including coaches )
Show them the money that'll change the dynamic short careers they have to take advantage of the lolly available