O'Connor to play for Toulon: French report

+1

Gee Andy, What did JOC do to you and all the other knockers. They guy was our most talented player. The point Johnno makes is that the whole world does not share the views of a minority of politically correct wowsers who march to the drum of the corporate dollar. I hope JOC has a great time in Europe and wish him every success even though I would love to see him playing in and for Australia.

Rory Kockott.

Discounting English qualified players there's approximately 10-15 South Africans currently playing in the Aviva Premiership. The Scottish sides have brought in some South African players with the long-term aim of them qualifying to play for Scotland and Alan Solomons has gone a bit South Africa crazy at Edingburh, but generally the only real issue with players leaving the SH is for Japan and France. I think OJ is right when he says it's basically a case of more Australian players departing than an overall trend.

because the only way they can earn anything like the dollars they get over there is by playing for their country. if they get to a point in their careers where they realise they're not likely to do that of course they'll go and make some money and this is why the vast majority of them go. hence retirement home. perhaps if youd originally stated a point along with that list you could justify surprise when people reply on a tangent different to the one you intended. as it is please try to grow up and talk to people like an adult.

Who gives a rats

In 2005, there were 33 South Africans in the English Premiership alone. I could go and research the number of South Africans playing abroad in 2003, but it's Christmas.

A decade ago was December 2003 not 2004. A decade ago the majority of fringe All Blacks and ex-internationals went overseas along with journeymen. A decade ago people were claiming the All Blacks would be selecting players from overseas. But Merry Christmas to you, Chicken Little.

WTF does first choice for their country have to do with it? If I listed the Rebels team from super rugby, how many would be in the first choice 23 for their national team? So would it be nothing if all of the non-international first choice 23 players all left? Is that it? How frustrating. Players dont count unless they are first choice for their countries right? Its a player drain from SANZAR, not just international teams.

Botha, du Preez, Pienaar, Louw, Steenkamp, Fourie were all Bulls that left at the end of 2013? Anyway a decade ago 8 Bulls left to go overseas in the one season too.

2005,2006,2007 are NOT A DECADE AGO. 2004 is and if you think there are no more SANZAR pros playing oversas than a decade ago and no more are leaving and at a younger age then YOU ARE WRONG.

That's a tad disingenuous. The Bulls lost eight Springboks overseas at the end of this Super Rugby season and Myer insists on selecting them.

In 2003, 10 former All Blacks went overseas. In 2004, the number was five. In 2005, there were nine. In 2006 six and in 2007 ten. It was this pressure from overseas clubs that prompted the sabbaticals so that top stars wouldn't leave. SA have always selected players from overseas aside from brief periods where they changed their selection policies.

Toulon is quite unique as they can get quality and quantity. Toulouse and Clermont are traditionally more into French players but they also have some big names from sanzar: Sivivatu, James, Gear, Ralepelle, Steenkamp, Vermaak, McAlister... and a few more from the P.I, Argentina etc. I recently read that out of the 200 odd foreigners in Top 14, roughly 70-75% are from the SH (maybe around 100 from sanzar?).

yes one club alone. are there any others that have anything like that list? how many do you think would be realistically first choice for selection in their national 23?

well they did have a policy shift. SA are now a different case to aus and nz for that reason

yeah that probably says more about you than oconnor

The lifestyle requires while providing more freedom, requires some self control. Its a haven for those with their head screwed on straight, but lack of expectation can lead to the demise of those with poor decision making. Exhibit 1: Mike Phillips.

You dont see anything international what? Mate hes 23 and has 44 international caps.

And OT, 12 from 32 were based overseas in SA last squad. You find me a squad in 2004 or before that had more than 3 based overseas and I will be impressed.