Quade Cooper: Wallabies ‘cannot afford’ to keep ‘outdated restrictions’ and should copy Springboks’ model
Springboks star Cheslin Kolbe and Jesse Kriel and an inset of ex-Wallabies fly-half Quade Cooper.
Former Wallabies fly-half Quade Cooper has called for Rugby Australia to ditch its ‘outdated restrictions’ over player selections and follow the Springboks’ lead.
Previously, the Wallabies‘ head coach has been limited when it comes to selecting overseas-based players with the Giteau Law in place, where a player needs to meet certain requirements in order to play abroad and for the national team.
While the restrictions have been somewhat relaxed since Phil Waugh has taken charge of Rugby Australia and Joe Schmidt came in as head coach of the Wallabies, the latter has still been reluctant to select too many overseas-based players.
In fact, Schmidt did not invite a host of players to training camps earlier this year as they had signed deals to head abroad after the Super Rugby Pacific season.
Waugh and Schmidt have repeatedly stated that players who have committed their futures to Rugby Australia would get preference when it comes to selection as the union aims to keep its stars in Oz. Meanwhile, Australian fans have access to – not just rugby union entertainment – but NRL betting odds as well.
Embrace overseas-based players
The debate over the Wallabies’ eligibility rules are debated constantly in Australia, but Cooper has called for RA to face the ‘obvious truth’ and simply copy the Springboks‘ model.
“South Africa has won two World Cups by embracing overseas-based players. Meanwhile, Australia’s refusal to go down the same path has cost the Wallabies immensely,” Cooper wrote in his Courier Mail column.
“Every year, the same debate circles Australian rugby: should overseas-based players be allowed to represent the Wallabies?
“And every year, we rehash the same talking points without facing the obvious truth — if we want to compete with the world’s best, we need to select the world’s best players, regardless of where they play.
“Look at South Africa. They’ve won the past two Rugby World Cups and dominated the global stage not because they’ve kept their stars locked at home, but because they’ve embraced a smarter model.”
The recently retired playmaker, who has now started his coaching career in Japan with Hanazono Kintetsu Liners, says that the Bok players are sharpening their craft in some of the toughest competitions in the world, while SA Rugby reaps the benefits of not paying their salaries.
As a result, SA Rugby don’t drain their own system dry, while Australia do and keep their players in Super Rugby which Cooper states is no longer the quality that it used to be.
“Australia is trying to hold players here with limited funds and a domestic competition that simply isn’t the strongest in the world anymore,” he continued.
“We keep a few, lose many, and the ones we lose, we can’t even select. It’s a double loss: our top talent is gone, and our national team can’t benefit from their growth overseas.”
He added, “France and Europe right now have the most competitive leagues and highest-level coaching. We should want our players there, developing their craft, then returning with sharper skills and broader rugby intelligence that strengthens the Wallabies.”
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Can’t compete
Rugby Australia earns a tenth of what the NRL does in TV rights, which means that they are unable to compete with overseas clubs and are fighting a losing battle to retain the top talents, according to Cooper.
His point is highlighted by Wallabies Taniela Tupou, Tom Hooper, Langi Gleeson, Angus Bell, Noah Lolesio, Len Ikitau and Rob Leota all signing deals abroad, though Bell and Ikitau just for the short term.
Cooper believes that investing in a domestic structure should be the long-term vision for Rugby Australia but it should be paired with ditching the ‘outdated restrictions’ on overseas players.
“The current stars won’t suffer by being overseas — they’ll grow stronger while the next generation builds a powerful home competition everyone eventually wants to come back to,” he added.
“With a home World Cup in 2027, we cannot afford to limit our selection. The priority must be having the best possible Wallabies side on the field, no matter where those players earn their living. Players like Will Skelton, Taniela Tupou, and Langi Gleeson should all be eligible to play, whether they’re based in Sydney or Paris.
“The second Test against the Lions showed glimpses of what we can do with a strong game plan, but we needed more punch for longer. The only way to guarantee that punch is to pick the absolute best talent available, full stop.
“It’s time to stop circling the same arguments and start making smart, future-focused decisions. Scrap the outdated restrictions. Let our players chase opportunities overseas, let others pay their salaries, and let Australian rugby reap the benefits of their growth.”
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