Finding balance of foreign stars key to game’s growth

Nov 14 2007 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post

“THE influx of foreign players is preventing the development of home grown talent.”

“Not so,” said Premier Rugby chief executive Mark McCafferty at his first press briefing of the season held last week.

“In both the Premiership and the opening rounds of the EDF Energy Cup 64% of players qualified to play for England,” he explained.

“That is the same as in 2003/04 when England won the World Cup and no different from 1996/97 when the game first went professional.”

No doubt the ‘barbour brigade’ who turn up at Twickenham would suggest that even 64% is not enough but stifling the development of England players, I don’t think so.

Just look at the England squad that reached the final of the World Cup.

Few would deny the bludgeoning talent of Matthew Tait, the exciting prospect of Paul Sackey and there or others in the wings ready to take over when the ‘old guard’ decides to call time.

Who could not have been thrilled with the performance of Wasps outside-half Danny Cipriani, Ryan Lamb and Shane Geraghty in the Heineken Cup last weekend, all I might add brought to the fore under the guidance of Brian Ashton, the under-pressure England head coach.

It is however a fine balance and no one would like to see a foreign takeover as appears to be happening in football but, as far as the fans are concerned, although they want a successful England side they also want to see the top stars of world rugby turning out for their clubs.

At Sale Sharks Sebastien Chabal, ‘sea bass’ to the fans, has become an iconic figure as have the Lobbe brothers from Argentina and they will unveil All Black centre Luke McAlsister tomorrow.

Yet the side is also built around the likes of Charlie Hodgson, Andrew Sheridan, Mark Cueto and underpinned by a whole host of English talent coming through their superb academy system.

And it’s not just the Premiership. Waterloo have their quota of non-English qualified players, Pablo Freijoo from Spain, Nicola Mazzucato and Bruno Pani from Italy and Alastair Davidson, who qualifies for Scotland.

Even lower down Caldy, West Park have their share and Liverpool St Helens are not averse to shipping in the odd New Zealander or South African.

Does this influx stifle talent? It does not, if anything it enhances it and adds that bit of extra spice to the game. Keep signing the visas Gordon!