NSW Waratahs captain Phil Waugh has thrown his support behind a marquee player system for the Super 14 and the free movement of players through the Australian, New Zealand and South African franchises.

The two schemes have been mentioned by the Australian Rugby Union as it seeks to freshen up the Super 14 ahead of a new television rights deal after 2010.

The ARU’s SANZAR partners in New Zealand and South Africa would need to support the proposals, which could also include signing Pacific Island and Argentine players.

The ARU believes the moves would help combat a player drain to cashed up European and Japanese clubs which has already resulted in Australian rugby losing Wallaby stars Chris Latham and Dan Vickerman.

“You want as many good players playing in the competition as you possibly can and as many good players in Australia,” Waugh told AAP.

“That’s what the public want to see, they want to see top quality players playing in a good competition.

“So from my point of view, I think that they’re talking about limiting how many players you can have, but I think the more the better.”

Asked about the prospect of him running out for the Stormers or Highlanders, Waugh said: “I think it boosts the competition.

“There’s certainly a place in the game for that and this competition, the way it’s structured, has got the real potential to be one of the great entertaining tournaments of the world so the more top class players the better.”

At NSW, Waugh has already lost pointscoring machine Peter Hewat to London Irish and, from next year, Vickerman.

Two more high profile Waratahs, Rocky Elsom and Wycliff Palu, are off-contract this year and Waugh admitted the prospect of losing them was making him nervous.

“Yeah, I think so. It’s tough,” he said.

“Success is the most important thing and getting people back through the gates and lifting the interest of rugby.

“If we can do that then we can demand more as players in terms of money.

“It would be disappointing to lose more guys now that Dan Vickerman’s gone and there may be another couple so it’s important that we keep them to grow rugby again to where it should be.”

© AAP 2012

Enjoy sports? Enjoy a bargain? All Sports Online has your favourite sporting brands at up to 70% off. Online only, premium quality sporting goods and merchandise at discounted prices. Get a deal now.