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New Toulon signing Ali Williams believes New Zealand teammate Ma’a Nonu could still turn out for the All Blacks, even if he comes to France to play club rugby.
New Zealanders are contracted to their national rugby federation and can only turn out for the All Blacks if plying their club trade in their homeland.
Yet lock Williams, who made his debut in the Top 14 on Saturday as Toulon edged past Bayonne 18-12, said Nonu could be an exception to the rule.
“He just wants to play rugby (and) experience something,” Williams said.
“If he plays (in France) that’s good; it’s always good to experience something new. He’s a good player
“He’ll definitely play for New Zealand, he’s too good [not to].
“It’s his decision, not mine. I know how much he loves playing in the All Black jersey.”
This is a dangerous precedent for New Zealand.
However, this could be good news for Australia, who have a slavish policy of following the New Zealand Rugby Union and their ideas.
When New Zealand create this precedent, Australia will follow suit and have the option to select their most experienced overseas-based players for the Wallabies, increasing the depth and experience of the Wallabies’ squad.
At the moment players like Berrick Barnes, Matt Giteau, George Smith, Drew Mitchell, Sitaleki Timani (if he ends up in France), Digby Ioane, and the dynamic Brumby Peter Kimlin all set to ply their trade on foreign shores next season.
This list may also include James O’Connor if he cannot get a place with an Australian Super Rugby franchise and heads overseas.
The countdown for the World Cup in 2015 has started and the current Wallaby squad is in disarray, with eight games left to play this year.
The Wallabies will be fortunate to win any of these games. Eight losses could place Australia at a world ranking below eight, the lowest it has ever been.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.