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Cheika wants to make Aussie rugby too good to leave

Roar Guru
31st October, 2014
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Michael Cheika’s plan to keep top talent in Australian rugby involves making the Wallabies experience simply too good to pass up.

The drain to cashed up overseas clubs looms as one of the new Wallabies coach’s biggest headaches in the coming years, with fears of another exodus of players after next year’s Rugby World Cup.

Reports last week suggested former Wallabies skipper James Horwill will join English club Harlequins beyond next year with Will Genia tipped to sign with Bath.

Adam Ashley-Cooper, Israel Folau and Quade Cooper are others expected to follow in the footsteps of a host of Australian rugby stars to have signed overseas contracts in recent years.

It’s hoped the change in the rules by the Australian Rugby Union to allow a limited number of sabbaticals will help matters, allowing centrally contracted players to move temporarily but still retain their Test eligibility.

Newly-appointed Cheika says a key factor will be making the sure code is the best it can be at all levels in Australia.

He joked he was not the best person to speak about the issue, given he spent a decade playing overseas, but said he wanted to create an environment that allowed for both enjoyment and the highest level of professionalism.

“My goal is not going up to a player and saying `don’t go away’,” Cheika said on Thursday.

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“It’s probably more like, let’s make this one of the best places to play rugby at, a place to enjoy representing your country, which is a very big honour.

“Yes, there might be other baits and trappings out there … but let’s make it the best environment to be in and if you leave, well you may miss out.”

Cheika believes he’s come into an already-strong national set-up but will be pushing for various changes.

“I think we’ve still got to make a lot of improvements internally, with coaching, organisation, but obviously it’s been a quick jump in (to the role).”

Australian rugby player drain

Gone
Players to have signed overseas in recent times

Kane Douglas (Leinster, England)

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Nick Cummins (Coca Cola West Red Sparks, Japan)

Drew Mitchell (Toulon, France)

Berrick Barnes (Panasonic Wild Knights, Japan)

Digby Ioane (Stade Francais, France)

Matt Giteau (Toulon, France)

Sitaleki Timani (Montpellier, France)

Hugh McMeniman (Honda Heat, Japan)

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James O’Connor (London Irish, England/Toulon, France) – returning in 2015)

Going
Players who could be moving overseas after 2015 Rugby World Cup

James Horwill (Harlequins)

Will Genia (Bath)

Adam Ashley-Cooper (France)

Israel Folau (Europe/Japan/NRL)

Quade Cooper (Europe/Japan/NRL)

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