Stade Francais will not sign any more English players

[TRF_Olyy]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2011/feb/28/stade-francais-no-more-english-players

Interesting read,
Haskell and Palmer haven't been released by England for this weekends Top14 match, and Guazzini says that this will effect them when it comes to contracts (Haskell's out of contract at the end of the season, and Palmer in 2012)
Haskell back to Wasps to take over from Serge Betsen?

 

[TRF_Cymro]

I've heard the Haskell rumour for Wasps. To be fair its the risk the French clubs take when they sign current overseas internationals.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Especially when they sign the bit of paper releasing them for internationals - got no-one to blame but themselves really

 

[TRF_Cymro]

Are there takers for Tom Palmer?

 

[TRF_RC]

Yeah, i can't see the English players (or anyone else who goes out over there) to be angry if they're not seleceted for their country.
They knew the implications (regarding international selection) when they signed for the French clubs, like I'm sure all those who signed for France this year, won't necessarily get a good look in on their respective squad.
I was thinking that about Hook earlier. It's the first time in his career that he genuinely looks like he could be coming as a strong front runner for hte no.10 spot (especially after the RWC), but wiht Gatland not liking Welsh players out of Wales and with the French not being that keen on handing players back over to their national squad he might not get a good look in at all...and if he doesn't get regualar placings he will remain what he's always been: a handy versatile player, while other players (like Biggar or Matthew Morgan) come through.

 

[T-Raz]

Surely this issue can easily be mediated, its not like they have to fly over half the world to play for club or country. Theres the injury issue but thats always comes with the sport.
I think its just a case of both parties being stubborn and not willing to compromise.

 

[Amobokoboko]

Hmm, these things happen when you sign internationals.

 

[Charles]

Good.

There's too much foreign players in France already.

 

[Teh Mite]

Hmm, these things happen when you sign internationals.

Tom Palmer wasn't when they signed him.

 

[M Two One]

Tom Palmer wasn't when they signed him.

True, but in general Charles is correct and I'm sure that's what he meant. All of these international interferences could be avoided if both sides would just come to an agreement. This is one of the biggest issues with professional rugby.

 

[munstermuffin]

Sure why don't they sign away because English union only selecting players based at home from next season on.

 

[Melhor Time]

Good.

There's too much foreign players in France already.

Rubbish Charles.

The Top 14 is the best league in the world precisely because of the players. They are required. Without them the standard would fall drastically, the product would be vastly inferior. Your team, Montpellier, has gone from being a lower table side to a top four team based on imported players combining with French players. Last weekend an uncapped player from Argentina score 20 points in Montpellier´s 25-24 victory over Agen. He has proven to be a great buy as have Santiago Fernández.

Of course the English players in France is not such a big deal as there are not so many of them. Did you know the USA has as many current international players in the Top 14 as England and Georgia has more.

 

[Charles]

Mmm no, that's not rubbish, it's true.

Last week, Agen fielded a team with 1 french player in the starting XV.

What kind of effect on the French team do you think it has?

I'lltell you, it's not good. Not good at all. Look at the english football team...

The problem is that as I have said previously, there is not enough high level French players to fill 14 rosters, and as you said the level would drop drastically if we were to oust all the high level foreigners. We could probably do without all the 2nd rate Saffers and Islanders though...

The solution is to reduce the number of teams to 12, or even 10.

I do know of the Americans and Georgians in the T14, yes.

What I am against though the thourough destroying of the French National side to please the greed of local fans and corporate investors.