Gallagher Final : Welsh connection

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 John wrote:

 GPR - Rochester wrote:

 Eastern outpost wrote:

In order for us to compete in the URC and Europe, we need as much help as we can get so the « repatriation » of our internationals would be of enormous benefit.
Equally, having better coaches would help and there seems to be less restriction nationality wise on who you have in your off-pitch expertise.

If we produced as many players of quality as, for example, RSA, i wouldn’t be so concerned. Also, if the WRU funded the professional clubs on something much better than the starvation diet it’s grudgingly doled out over the years, again, there’d be less concern.

The 12 day HIA protocol, as others have said, is a counter to smaller pro squads. The coaching team and the Finance Director will be having many an interesting negotiation at all clubs in the coming season as a result.

Undoubtedly smaller squads by economic necessity will mean huge challenges going forward. However forcing players to repatriate so they can carry on playing for Wales is neanderthal. In most other professions it would be deemed discriminatory. A cursory glance around the four regional squads & I really wonder would Reffell have become No 1 7 at any of the regions over the past seasons - competition would have been enormous - Tipuric, Morgan, Josh McLoud, Cubby, Navidi, Botham, Ellis Jenkins, Ollie Griffiths, Basham etc. Likewise Aled Davies went from being 2nd/3rd string at both the Scarlets & Ospreys to being one of the stand out scrum halves in the Premiership by being given constant starts. 

The WRU pay lip service to the regions when they state that the 60 cap rule is meant to strengthen regional rugby - the very same regions who are still waiting to hear what sort of ongoing finance they will have available next season and onwards; the very same regions who have had to drastically reduce squad size due to financial constraints. South Africa became World champions by picking the best 31 qualified players regardless of where they play their rugby - pretty hard nosed South African logic which, for me, makes total sense.

Finally a question for those who support the 60 cap rule - could you please explain to me over the years in which it has been active how much improvement we have seen in regional rugby fortunes? 

Its not about any of the things you mention- its about availability of players to go to international squad training as and when Pivac wants them- nothing more or less. And if an English club won't release a player when Pivac wants them outside the international window, then it really is quite fair, and not discriminatory, to say to the player- if you're not available for training, you're not getting to play.
even if it's your best player? sounds like madness to me, 50% of your best players is better than 100% of average.