Juan Martin Hernandez to the Blues?

[Melhor Time]

Sad to see kiwi´s against imports. But I am not getting into that debate.

[h=3]Juan Martín Hernández - Destination Auckland or Plus de Paris?[/h]

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The rumours are true, Juan Martín Hernández has confirmed himself that he has been in talks with the management of New Zealand Super Rugby side, the Blues for him to join the Auckland based side in 2013. The nominee for IRB Player of the Year in 2007 also confirmed that he has two offers to work through fro him to remain in France, and indeed in Paris. His current club, Racing Métro and his former club of six years, Stade Français have both given the Argentine playmaker offers. He is under contract with Racing Métro now but the contract, which was a two year deal with the option of a third, expires at the end of the current season.


El Mago simply has a massive choice to make and it is not an easy one. On the one hand he could set the mark and lead the way for future Pumas players by playing in the Southern Hemispher´s Premier competition. On the other hand he could continue to play in Paris where he is one of the most respected and highest paid players. The man known to his Argentine teammates as Juani explained it all in an interview with Argentine side scrum. He explained that he is analyzing the offer from the Blues as well as both offers from Stade Français and Racing Métro. Curiously, the offer from Racing Métro is poles apart to the treatment Horacio Agulla received from the Leicester Tigers. According to Hernández, Racing Métro are willing to sign him despite his certain involvement in The Rugby Championship which will mean he will miss the preseason training as well as matches in August and September as the competition is set to finish one week into October.


The option of a new challenge in Auckland or remaining in Paris is a tough oen as Hernández makes it clear that his home is in Europe and, moreover, Paris. Of the three options on the table Hernández said he would prioritize Paris because he has lived in the city for virtually all his career as a profesional rugby player and in his words, I feel comfortable and instaled. His only time as a professional away from Paris was playing for the Sharks in South Africa in 2009. Despite making it clear that his preference is to remain in the Top 14 Orange, Hernández also said the offer from the Blues is good and on top of having a great level of rugby, it also supports the calendar of Los Pumas. However, he finished by saying that the truth is that, when choosing, which also comes into play is my personal life - private.

 

[William18]

Agree Larksea.

I think it weakens NZ rugby by bringing in foreigners.

We already support most of the PI players. We can't afford to support other country's players as well.

Strongly disagree. Hernandez is one of the best first fives in the world. To have him playing in New Zealand would only strengthen rugby here. I'm not in favour of seeing our teams littered with foreigners but I think it is okay when they are of such high quality. If Anscombe is good enough to be an All Black, he will be an All Black whether Hernandez plays for the Blues or not.

 

[nickdnz]

I tend to agree. New Zealand will never be able to support a rugby system like the one in Europe. We often produce some of the best players and our priority is to invest in their futures as much as possible. However, if Hernandez wishes to come to New Zealand and is willing to take a dip in pay, then there is no reason he shouldn't be invited in. Gareth Anscombe is only 20 years old. It's not an issue if he isn't the starting 1st 5/8th for two or so seasons. Daniel Carter clarely grew behind Andrew Mehrtens and Carlos Spencer in the New Zealand setup, so importing those kind of players is fine.

That being said, Hernandez is much more needed in the Hurricanes. Beuden Barrett is also 20 but the Blues have Piri Weepu and Alby Mathewson whom would miss out starting with Hernandez, whereas the Hurricanes could really do with a quality 1st 5/8th.

 

[Darwin]

I tend to agree. New Zealand will never be able to support a rugby system like the one in Europe. We often produce some of the best players and our priority is to invest in their futures as much as possible. However, if Hernandez wishes to come to New Zealand and is willing to take a dip in pay, then there is no reason he shouldn't be invited in. Gareth Anscombe is only 20 years old. It's not an issue if he isn't the starting 1st 5/8th for two or so seasons. Daniel Carter clarely grew behind Andrew Mehrtens and Carlos Spencer in the New Zealand setup, so importing those kind of players is fine.

That being said, Hernandez is much more needed in the Hurricanes. Beuden Barrett is also 20 but the Blues have Piri Weepu and Alby Mathewson whom would miss out starting with Hernandez, whereas the Hurricanes could really do with a quality 1st 5/8th.

I'm very much in your camp their Nick. I'm certainly not for an abundance overseas players (ala France) but I can see the advantage of having the odd overseas player playing in NZ franchises. There are some benefits for NZ rugby in having overseas players too - for one thing they would bring experience, and new ways to doing things. Another major benefit of having (for example) an Argentinian rugby player is from a marketing perspective - just imagine how many Argentinian fans may start watching the Blues if Hernandez was playing for them, and how many young Argentines would be running round with a Blues shirt with 'Hernandez' on the back! Of course this needs to be weighed up against the negative impacts it would have on NZ Rugby: the money that is spent on the overseas player that can now not be used on local talent, as well as the spot in the squad that the foreign player would take at the expense of a local player (who would miss out on a season of development). It is certainly not an easy decision for the NZRFU....