No, the Fijians are nearly all home grown. Most Samoans are of Samoan heritage, but like football it comes down to parents / grandparents. The rule I don't like about eligibility is residency, though World Rugby are tightening up on that. I think it's 7 years now. England have a habit of offering scholarships to promising young players with the intention of 'recruiting them'. It happened with the Vinipola brothers who grew up in Wales. As for the guy who dropped the ball, Radradra is possibly the best centre in World Rugby, bar none. He tore England a new one two weeks ago. No doubt he will be having nightmares.
Rather the opposite.......lots of the islands' best players used to be drafted into the All Blacks which gave the ABs a big advantage......these tgen sometimes reverted to their 'proper' nations later in life. It seems that recently this has slowed or stopped and we are seeing better island teams. I think they used to leave for the money.
It happened less than you think. There is a mythical element to it. Although decended from Pacific Islanders, most were born in NZ. There were a few who flouted the rules, like the Bachop brothers, swapping regularly between NZ and Samoa. Interestingly, they were born in NZ. Similarly for the great Michael Jones. He got his first ever cap playing for Samoa before having an illustrious career for NZ, but born in Aukland. Many players playing for an island nation after NZ or Aus are actually going to play for the country of their heritage rather than their birth. Australia are probably worse than NZ, usually in league rather than union. The home nations are far worse than NZ. I mentioned the case of the Vunipolas. Tongan parents, Billy born in Aus, Mako in NZ, grew up in Wales, recruited by England. Dylan Hartley was from SA. Scotland have the kilted kiwis, with others from SA. Wales suffered with Grannygate. They currently have several players born outside Wales, though qualify through other eligibility rules. I've not looked them up, but believe Tom Francis, Faletau, Rowlands, Henry Thomas, Christ Tshiunza, George North, Nick Tompkins and most notably Gareth Anscombe, all born outside wales. All eligible through parents / grand parents except Tshiunza (I think), Faletau and Anscombe. The first two qualify through residency having grown up and been schooled in Wales, Anscombe came over as an adult but has been here long enough under residency rules. I think he is from Aus. Ireland have 'recruited' well, most noticeably Bundee Aki. I don't like the rugby eligibility rules. Think it should be simply the country of your birth or that of your parents or grand parents. I get the residency bit where someone grew up and learned their rugby in a country, but not where they came to a country to play the game as adults and stayed. At least residence rules are 7 years now. They used to be 3, so anyone going to Uni in England from Wales could qualify for England, which was often the case. They've nabbed a few of ours. Possibly the worst country for nabbing players not born there is Japan. Lots of NZers and pacific islanders representing Japan. Anyway, in summary, NZ very, very, very rarely exploited their pacific neighbours. The vast majority of players who have represented NZ were born there, unlike many other countries closer to home.
Fascinating insight there. I agree about the eligibility rules. International sport has the opportunity to be truly representative and players should be passionate about playing for THEIR country. They shouldn't be just looking for a way into the international game. For me it's place of birth and/or parents nationality. I want people to have a real empathy and connection with the people they represent.
Out of curiosity, I just looked up the NZ squad from the first RWC in '87. I could only find one player not born in NZ. John Gallagher. Place of birth? London, England.
I used to think similar until a guy I worked with who was a big NZ fan put me straight. I hunted through player lists trying to prove him wrong. I failed and stood corrected myself.
After a brief hiatus, the games start again tonight. A Saturday game for us. An easier game against Portugal. A much changed side for Wales who need to rattle up some points in what is a tight group. Points difference could be what separate Aus, Fiji and Wales in the final reckoning.
Just watching France v Uraguay. A lot of the WC games are being played in football stadiums because the rugby grounds don't have the capacity. A real shame because the SW of France is a hotbed with great heritage. Dax, Brieve, Narbonne, Bayonne, amongst others. Tonight's game is in Lille. The turf isn't up to the scrummaging. The Lille groundsmen will have their work cut out in the morning.
Great win for favourites Ireland, drinks are on Irish Bluebird at The Earl Haig, everyone welcome! Masky
Absolutely stunning game of rugby. Not high scoring, but a great spectacle. Brutal at times. Not for the faint hearted. A game that could have gone either way.
Remote, it has to be said, that a number of forum members could go either way too….they know who they are! Masky
2 big games today, I'll be following both. First the round ball, then the egg. It would be good to back up our last 2 wins with another. Then a sh!t or bust games for Wales vs Aus. Off to help daughter with sheepy tasks now. Hopefully done by the time the Bluebirds kick off, definitely done by the time Wales kick off.
Wales rugby, Cardiff City and sheep. Doesn't get more Welsh than that. Makes me proud to be acquainted.
Remote with regards to the aforementioned sheep, are some better looking, and willing even? Asking for BFB, BT, Clingy and Irish Bluebird pal....dirty boys! Masky
Don't listen to him Remote. He will use any information to his own advantage. To the extent of driving his Reliant Robin to your farm with his wellies with sheep footholds on the back seat.
Not sure what your preferences are Masky, but here's a couple of the young virgins. We'll be sorting the old slappers later. Just worming them.
