ARU policy backed with Force
Thu, 07 Aug 2008 13:14
Rugby Western Australia (WA) has confirmed its support for the Australian Rugby Union's (ARU) decision to explore a new foreign player policy for Australian Super 14 teams.
Rugby WA CEO Greg Harris said a move to allow foreign players to join Australian Super 14 teams will benefit the game at the provincial and national levels.
"Rugby WA supports the recommendations of the ARU board to allow the introduction of foreign players to Super 14 rugby in Australia, which was flagged at a recent meeting of the CEO's," said Harris.
"We are confident the process will be handled correctly to allow the provinces to benefit without affecting or stifling the development of young Australian players.
"Having access to international players will allow teams to recruit in certain positions where they have a lack of depth, but will also provide the opportunity to bring in an experienced player who can assist in the development of younger squad members," he said.
Harris said allowing marquee international players into the Australian Super 14 teams could help to increase interest in the competition and improve the game as a spectacle.
"We've got the best provincial rugby competition in the world so why not have the best players in the world playing it," he said.
Harris confirmed the Western Force have room to recruit players in their 2009 Super 14 roster.
"I have been in contact with Western Force coach John Mitchell and general manager Mitch Hardy in the United Kingdom to discuss our playing squad for 2009 and the positions we might look at strengthening," Harris added.
