That's nice, so you'll be willing to write the cheque to keep the NZRFU afloat when they lose the Murdoch contract because no one is around to play in the Super 14 anymore?
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Sink or swim mate, from the point of view from a body like the European Union, if it is a loss making venture and unsustainable then why subsidise it?
And if Murdoch fails to renew the contract to cover Super Rugby, you really have to look at yourselves and ask yourself why he's done that.
The problem is that we're all living in the wrong century. We're living in a world where players are seen as employees and where it is becoming quickly accepted that freedom of movement for work is an undeniable human right. The European Union would reject
any move by the iRB or any sports body to prevent players from moving North or to impose quotas and would most likely take the body to court.
Exiling players who go north is simply not a sustainable option. South Africa know that which is why allot of their players who have gone north are still eligible for the Spingboks. Offering incentives like sabbaticals while a smart and good move is only a short term measure and eventually, the NZRU will be selecting players working overseas and dealing with the idiot, arrogant and sodding awkward French clubs just like any other nation has to.
EDIT: Actually, the Elephant sitting in the room is how South Africa have broken ranks with the other big two SH nations and have selected most of their top players who are 'oop north. Okay, some like Victor Matfield may be on their way back home, but the fact remains that this is a quite a startling move, one which shows that the SARU are willing to take any step necessary in order to remain competitive in international rugby.
I wonder what the ARU and NZRU think of what the Boks have done?
