Dylan Cleaver: Cosmopolitan transformation? Not very likely

It's unlikely Brian O'Driscoll, Mike Phillips or even Felipe Contepomi would make their way downunder. Photo / Getty Images

Confirmation that Super rugby franchises will be allowed to contract two imports ineligible to play for the All Blacks might look like a giant leap into a brave new world, but it is likely to be a very small step instead.

Rather than herald a cosmopolitan era of Super rugby, the effect of the rule change, which does not include the New Zealand Rugby Union-approved Pacific Island players, is likely to be minimal.

There's about as much chance of basketball phenom LeBron James using his free agency to sign for the Waikato Pistons as there is of Brian O'Driscoll, Mike Phillips or even Felipe Contepomi making their way Downunder for a season or two.

The most likely scenario is that the three Sanzar partners will engage in a bit of minor horsetrading to squeeze some Polyfilla into the cracks of their rosters.

Lacking a bit of tall timber? Try calling an agent with an international calling code beginning with 0027. Need a winger or two? We've got a few running around in the ITM Cup who would not look out of place on a bigger stage. We're not quite sure what Australia can bring to the table at this point, except a new franchise and a whole lot of roster spots to fill.

There are good reasons why we are not going to see an influx of Europeans (yes, the Melbourne Rebels have signed Danny Cipriani and Gareth Delve, but they are allowed 10 non-Wallaby eligible players - a different case).

First there is money.

It just doesn't compare with what you can earn in France's Top 14 or England's Guinness Premiership.

While the standard of the Heineken Trophy might be on a par with Super rugby, the domestic competitions are not, so why come and play a higher standard of rugby for less?

It will be hoped that some Argentine players would put their hands up for places as it would help smooth their transition into Tri/Four Nations, but look at it from their point of view. They get offered huge coin to go and play in Italy and France where the European sensibilities are more akin to what they find at home.

The second point is that European internationals are going to want to play closer to home, in front of their selectors on a week-to-week basis. Other countries might not share the NZRU's strict international criteria rules but the adage that out of sight equals out of mind still rings true.

Third, just how many exciting talents are there worth chasing?

Without engaging in typical and tiresome comparisons between Northern and Southern Hemisphere rugby, you could make a strong argument that the most exciting talent in world rugby is already concentrated in the Super 14. You will find some exceptions, but not enough to suggest it would be even possible to "add a new dimension" to the tournament.

For all that, the ruling is a step in the right direction.