Rugby Australia (RA) has slammed the door shut on a growing worry of Australian Rugby supporters with a new stand against poaching of homegrown talent by French franchises. In a recent announcement, RA Chairman Daniel Herbert called on French clubs to refrain from pursuing junior players from Australia. This latest warning serves as a reminder that targeting Australian youth is a continued problem with foreign clubs — an issue RA treats with the utmost seriousness.
Herbert’s comments are a timely reminder that France has the ability to grow their own rugby talent. In particular, he stressed that Australian players should not be the sole target for foreign recruitment. This is particularly critical when they are as young as they are now.
“Our view is that France has the ability to produce its own players.” – RA Chairman Daniel Herbert
Concerns Over Player Recruitment
Australian junior players are attracting more and more attention. This has led French clubs to race to find local player agents to keep this young talent on home soil. Such a strategy has sounded the alarm bells inside Rugby Australia, as it sees these moves as just eroding its grassroots youth development pipeline.
One notable case involves 16-year-old Visesio Kite from Queensland, who was signed earlier this year by French club La Rochelle. Rugby Australia had already gained the approval of World Rugby before Kite’s release, demonstrating the complications that can often be involved with international player movement.
Another standout from last year’s NZ U20 side — teenage loose forward Heinz Lemoto — has been pursued by multiple French clubs. His stellar showings in rugby league and union are making headlines. The player’s controversy further highlights the disarray that Rugby Australia have found themselves in within their battle to safeguard their budding prodigies.
Seeking Guidance from World Rugby
In response to these developments, Rugby Australia is actively seeking guidance from World Rugby regarding the regulations on player recruitment. World Rugby’s regulations forbid “unauthorised approaches” to youth players, both within and across unions. This rule is meant to protect minor athletes from recruitment when they are not yet prepared for the demands of the pro ranks.
Herbert noted that conversations will be happening at the World Rugby level. More broadly, their aim is to help elucidate what’s allowed in today’s market. The goal is to create a sharper, brighter line that shields younger players from early recruitment overtures.
“They don’t need to come and talk to our player agents to try and poach ours at a very young age.” – RA Chairman Daniel Herbert
The Bigger Picture
Rugby Australia’s position on this issue is indicative of a much larger crisis in Australian sport, specifically the sustainability of youth pathways. The organization is convinced that attracting, identifying and developing home-grown talent is key to the long-term success of Australian rugby.
Herbert stressed that the reality is much more than the public has been led to believe. He suggested there were even greater implications for the whole world’s player development systems’ integrity.
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