Are Rugby Tourists ruining International Rugby

[Los Endos]

It struck me today watching England smash Fiji today, that I take increasing less pleasure in watching England play, as they have become a Club England side, rather than 15 true Englishmen.
Please find below the IRB regulations that relate to Eligibility -

REGULATION 8. ELIGIBILITY TO PLAY FOR NATIONAL
REPRESENTATIVE TEAMS
8.1 Subject to Regulation 8.2, a Player may only play for the senior fifteen-a- side National Representative Team, the next senior fifteen-a-side National Representative Team and the senior National Representative Sevens Team of the Union of the country in which:
(a) he was born; or
(b) one parent or grandparent was born; or
(c) he has completed thirty six consecutive months of Residence immediately preceding the time of playing.

This is not an English issue, it is an issue for all.....
Tell what really is the point of International Rugby when for example England is simply fed by Saracen players from Natal, just because we are wealthiest Rugby Football Union :-(

We need to change Regulation 8 !

Edited by Los Endos on Saturday 10th November 23:35

[davepoth]

I think we only need to change regulation 8.1 (b) and (c). Limit (b) to parents, and make (c) work some way that allows kids who have moved here at a young age (I guess under 16 or 18) to play.

[Los Endos]

davepoth said:

I think we only need to change regulation 8.1 (b) and (c). Limit (b) to parents, and make (c) work some way that allows kids who have moved here at a young age (I guess under 16 or 18) to play.

Totally agree Dave.....
We also need to make change concerning if a players has already represented their previous country, even if its at under 21 level.

BTW All of the above applies to cricket as well !