"Then there's Beau and of course young Kimami Sitauti, who played New Zealand Secondary Schools but has been over with the Rebels and the Reds as well."
Schuler believes more Australian players would grace these shores if the Australian Rugby Union allowed it.
"A lot of players are very keen to come, but the Australian union select and decide who they want. They're in control of that process.
"Historically we don't go searching and we have looked high and low. In Beau's case and in the props we didn't have that local depth there.
"These guys are coming from top notch Super Rugby, they're in good nick and they'll contribute hugely to our team this year."
Schuler was not sure whether the Reds, in particular, are beginning to warm to their players participating in the ITM Cup.
"Maybe the Reds just want to get their players out there. The ITM Cup is a great competition and maybe the rugby they are going to be exposed to over in Australia - for those guys who aren't in the Wallabies - is a bit lower in quality.
"Beau's been with the Reds for a few years and it's probably something he's always wanted to do."
Former Wallaby Robinson said it can be difficult for Australian players to gain clearance to play in New Zealand.
"It's pretty tough. Obviously the ARU aren't real inclined to release players to come over here because at this level the young Kiwis are a lot stronger than the Australians.
"We really need a competition like this one - we had one in 2007 but unfortunately it folded."
Without a strong provincial competition, Robinson believes it is difficult for Australia to adequately assess the quality of its young players.
"You've really got to impress in club rugby over there, but it is really hard to know whether a guy is up to it. I think they need to find another level; it would help to develop the game."
