Rugby Icon Aaron Smith Advocates for Revised Eligibility Policy
BBC Sport | Rugby Union
May 5, 2023
All Blacks legend Aaron Smith has weighed in on the ongoing eligibility debate, urging New Zealand Rugby (NZR) to consider amending their current regulations. Smith’s proposal bears resemblance to the ‘Giteau Law’ adopted by Australia, which allows experienced internationals to play abroad while retaining national team eligibility.
The 35-year-old scrum-half, who concluded his All Blacks career by signing with Toyota Verblitz after the Rugby World Cup, believes NZR should establish a criteria-based system that would enable long-serving players to earn lucrative overseas contracts while still representing the national side.
“There has to be a group above a certain amount of Tests and time in the team that gives you the opportunity to earn more money and still play for the All Blacks like South Africa have done – they’re two-time champs in a row,” Smith told the Rugby Direct podcast.
Smith’s sentiments echo the recent calls from new All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson and star player Ardie Savea, both of whom have urged the governing body to adopt a more open-minded approach to eligibility rules.
The experienced halfback emphasized the importance of retaining young New Zealand talent, but argued that seasoned All Blacks should be afforded the opportunity to pursue financial rewards abroad without forfeiting their international careers.
“By no means do I want all our 21-year-old, 10-Test All Blacks taking off to Japan and not helping that next group come through,” Smith said. “There has to be a criteria so not all our young talent takes off.”
Smith praised the Springboks’ strategic approach to World Cup cycles, noting their ability to “peak at the right time” and secure back-to-back global titles. He believes NZR can learn from South Africa’s blueprint, which prioritizes long-term planning over short-term success.
“If South Africa hasn’t shown that, then everyone is blind. They don’t do it pretty but they’ve done it. And they’ve done it twice now,” Smith added.
As the eligibility debate continues to captivate the rugby union community, Aaron Smith’s proposal offers a potential compromise that could allow experienced All Blacks to explore lucrative overseas opportunities while still representing their country on the biggest stages.
🔗 Source
