Rugby: Offshore law due for boot

Luke McAlister has yet to show much form. Photo / Getty Images

The logistical barrier preventing offshore players being picked for the All Blacks could go next month - opening the current stance to change.

Sanzar, in trying to help Argentina's proposed entry into a Four Nations, has filed a proposal to the IRB to extend compulsory player release to include the period covering the Tri Nations.

The proposal to amend Regulation 9 is gaining traction, with IRB boss Mike Miller saying during the week he hoped to see it adopted.

It will be put before the IRB next month. If a 75 per cent majority favour extending the release window, any players contracted to European clubs will have to be released for the Tri Nations which will run from August to October from 2012.

While the amendment is designed to help Argentina access to their best players - most of whom are based in France - it also means European-based New Zealanders could be released to play for the All Blacks.

The amendment would not in itself change anything in regard to All Black eligibility, but it would change the dynamic of the debate around selecting offshore players.

Despite the calls for law changes, the reality is that players based in Europe would not be released to play the Tri Nations.

They are owned by their clubs, who pay them well and have no obligation or desire to release their best players so they miss critical games.

The New Zealand Rugby Union refuses to consider changing its policy on two counts: the inability to access players and its desire to protect and promote its own competitions.

One part of that equation could soon be removed, leaving the NZRU to determine whether the ITM Cup and Super 15 really would be damaged by altering All Black eligibility.

"Yes, technically it would change things logistically," says NZRU chief executive Steve Tew.

"I think it would be good practice for the board to have a discussion and take a deep breath to assess the consequences, as they would following any change in regulations.

"But I would reiterate that our desire is to have the best players here in New Zealand and we want to protect our competitions. That has always been our view and Regulation 9 has not been a dominant thought in our minds."

The inference is clear - that the stance won't change even if logistically it becomes possible to access offshore players for every All Black test.

But how long will that last? A glut of senior players, including Dan Carter and Richie McCaw, are candidates to leave after the World Cup. The All Black team in 2012 will almost certainly have a new coach and be down on experience and quality following the inevitable exodus.

If Regulation 9 has been amended, the NZRU could immediately strengthen the All Blacks by changing its eligibility criteria.

Given the importance of the All Black brand, would it really be wise to let an inexperienced All Black side struggle when selecting Carter, who will still be in his prime, could give them direction, confidence and victories?

The NZRU's belief that domestic competitions could be decimated by altering eligibility might be misplaced. Most players are smart enough to realise their chances of being selected for tests will be greatly reduced by signing for a foreign club.

Not only will they be out of sight - making it hard for the national coaches to track their form - there is a growing realisation that the quality of rugby in Europe is not good enough to prepare Southern Hemisphere players for the speed and intensity of the Tri Nations.

Luke McAlister is a classic case in point while Chris Jack, after two years at Saracens, hasn't shown much, if anything, on his return.

While the NZRU fear the greater money on offer in Europe will be enough to lure players north, there is a counter argument that says the sums on offer to New Zealand players will drop if eligibility changes.

The real value of All Blacks to European clubs is the certainty the players can't be selected to play tests.

Bizarrely, England squad members miss anything from six to nine critical club games a year to play Six Nations or attend national training camps, whereas New Zealanders are available for the whole campaign.