A brawn drain of New Zealand-born professional rugby players overseas is of no concern to All Blacks coach John Mitchell.
"Not at all," he told reporters at the final press conference before tomorrow's (Sunday morning, NZT) test against Scotland at Murrayfield.
"The dynamics of professional players has changed. The world gives rugby
players the opportunity to move globally, we've got a wonderful nursery in New Zealand, a fantastic nursery," he said.
"The dynamics of our players are younger. It's fantastic for a New Zealand boy if he's not in the (All Blacks) equation; he has a chance to move globally.
"That's great for our culture, because eventually a lot of them come back anyway. I wish them luck. That's their choice."
Mitchell was asked his attitude to player loss in the wake of Otago utility back Brendan Laney's selection on Thursday for Scotland.
Former All Blacks have been lost overseas for several seasons, with prop Craig Dowd, lock Ian Jones and openside loose forward Josh Kronfeld all playing in England.
Waikato midfield back Scott McLeod recently joined the exodus to Japan.
Kronfeld has said that he would have loved to be still available for the All Blacks, but the rules prevented a player being picked if he lived in another country.
Mitchell, who set his coaching career under way at English club Sale, agreed losing club players from the New Zealand grass roots bothered him.
"It's something I can't control. I'm a professional rugby coach; I just focus on these 30 blokes. I'm looking after 11 staff, that's another sector of the business unit."
- NZPA
