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The British Rugby Football Union will offer 16 million ($42 million)worth of rewards to clubs who don't overload their rosters with New Zealanders and other foreign players.
Britain's Daily Mail newspaper reported the influx of foreign talent has the RFU scared it could spell the end of its national leagues being used for the development of British talent _ in the same way foreigners now dominate the soccer premiership at the expense of the English national side.
Recent Kiwi exports to England's premiership teams include Carl Hayman, Chris Jack, Rico Gear and Luke McAlister.
The Magners League (contested by Irish, Scottish and Welsh sides) has added Doug Howlett and Marty Holah. Holah's team Ospreys are also reportedly trying to sign Jamie Nutbrown to replace Justin Marshall.
RFU director of elite rugby Rob Andrew said the rugby premiership was made up of about 65 per cent English players and 35 per cent foreign imports.
"In football [soccer] it's the other way round. If our English-qualified figure starts to fall, then that will begin to affect the national team. There can be no question that is starting to happen in soccer."
The Daily Mail said foreign players had not had an entirely negative impact, with New Zealanders Lesley Vainikolo, Henry Paul (both former rugby league players) and Mark van Gisbergen all finding their way into the English side.
Andrew said the intention was to keep the player balance around the current 65/35 level.
Starting next season the RFU will offer 210,000 to each club which ensures that throughout the year, an average of least 14 of their 22-man squads are English nationals.
The reward will rise towards 300,000 for those who go beyond the minimum.
Andrew said the scheme should not be taken as the RFU saying all foreign players were not welcome.
- NZPA
