Two foreign players will be allowed to play for New Zealand franchises in the 2011 Super (15) Rugby competition.

This is an increase of one but comes with similar caveats as were in place under last year’s policy:

  • No more than one foreigner on a ‘key’ position like first five eighth (fly half) and tight head prop
  • No more than one foreign player in positions such as lock or prop

I’m sure the intention is clearer than the wording ‘we want to improve performance but not at the expense of new Zealand prospects’.

Fair enough.

But the disappointing aspect is the continued snubbing of Pacific Island players who are loyal to their home countries.

The policy says that a Pacific Island player may be included ‘if no equivalent New Zealand eligible player is available’.

This would never wash in the European Union.

Then the condescending bit …

This recognises the special relationship that exists with the Pacific Islands and the contribution that Pacific Island players have made to Super Rugby.

Is it just in Super Rugby that New Zealand should be grateful for the contribution of Pacific Island players?

No thoughts to All Black greats Brian Williams, Michael Jones, Frank Bunce, Jonah Lomu or Tana Umaga?

Then here was Bernie Fraser, Vai’iga Tuigamala, Graeme Bashop, Jerry Collins, Tana Umaga, Joe Rokocoko, Sitivini Sivivatu, Mils Muliaina and Ma’a Nonu.

[Stephen Bashop, Pita Alitini, Rene Ranger, ...]

Or the hoards of players making significant contributions at local and NPC levels?

Pacific Islanders who make Super Rugby teams but who remain loyal to their home country have no guarantees beyond the current season. They could very easily be assessed as ‘equivalent’ to an NZ prospect and dropped in an instant.

Bottom line: Unless they are an All Black, there is no (financial) future for Pacific Island players in New Zealand rugby