They don't "bring in" ex-internationals, the likes of Vickerman and Roff only have played in the Union varsity because they happened to be studying at the time. For that matter, being an international in league is about as valuable as being an "all star" in basketball - no f'er to play against even if you become one. In the league Varsity, they may draught in a token Northerner to join in with the uni toffs.
You're thinking of the boat race where they offer mickey mouse courses as a freebee to get the championship rowers.