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A new world order is threatening rugby where tradition could be eventually overrun by pragmatism.
It is undeniable that the financial power base of rugby exists in Europe and their influence into southern hemisphere rugby is increasing and unyielding.
When rugby turned professional in 1995, it was but an infant playing in a big kids playground.
Not all countries were prepared or made the adjustment to professionalism easily and early on New Zealand, South Africa and Australia enjoyed the financial and playing advantages afforded them and held up their respective domestic competitions as the ideal template, while our northern cousins looked on in envy.
What we didn’t know then is that it was merely a prototype that is still in need of modifications and refinement.
The four-year cycle of the World Cup and the higher value of the English pound and the Euro to our local currency is severely challenging the allure for many players of wearing or preserving their coveted national jersey.
The sabbatical clause created for Daniel Carter has raised many eyebrows in New Zealand and will be watched with keen interest by other players (and not just across the Tasman).
It may have partially opened a door that until now had been firmly shut and locked fast: player eligibility for national teams.
I am firmly of the belief that to protect the strength of New Zealand’s domestic competition and the Super 14 (or whatever number any future changes denotes it as being called), players who sign for European clubs should be ruled ineligible for national selection.
Many former players now playing overseas disagree and are pushing their cause that this stance is out of touch in the 21st century.
All Black legend Sean Fitzpatrick is the latest critic of the NZRU’s position but it should be noted that he was previously against any changes to the status quo.
Are these players correct in their views? Does New Zealand and Australia need to rethink their stance on player eligibility and allowing foreign players into Super 14 franchises?
As a counterpoint, coach Nick Mallett ahead of the Italian test against South Africa this weekend, discussed the difficulty of assembling the majority of his players who all play outside of Italy and is pleading with the IRB to do something about the current state of affairs.
South Africa has recently reversed their position and will now allow foreign-based players to represent the Springboks so that coach Peter de Villiers has the best players available to him for selection. Is this a glimpse into the future?
Will future generations of Kiwi, Aussie and South African kids grow up wanting to play for Toulouse, Munster, Wasps and Llanelli rather than playing for their country as their ancestors once did?
Would this be a good thing for rugby?
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.