New All Black coach Scott Robertson says he wants to copy the Springboks by allowing players who ply their trade abroad to be available for selection for the national team.
Robertson, who took over from Ian Foster said he wanted to be able to select the best New Zealand players, regardless of where they played their club rugby.
New Zealand rugby’s governing body believe that allowing overseas based players to be selected for the All Blacks will weaken their domestic game, but Robertson, who has seen the Springboks win back-to-back World Cups since changing the rule back in 2018 is not so sure.
Speaking to the media the new coach said: “That’s what I’ve asked for … keep an open mind where the game is at the moment, it’s moving quite quickly, as we know.
“I have got to get in front of a few people, have a few conversations, catch a few eyes, have some chats, I think it’s important we do that, respect for all options.
“I just want to keep an open mind, so I can select the best players available for the All Blacks.”
If Robertson was able to get the rule changed then players like Richie Mo’unga, Leicester Fainga’anuku and Shannon Frizell, who are all contracted to overseas clubs, would be able to play for the All Blacks again.
