Gregor Paul: NZRU squandering experienced players

Tony Flavell. Photo / Getty Images

Experience is supposedly a commodity everyone in New Zealand rugby craves. Sadly, though, it's not one anyone is prepared to pay for.

The value of playing contracts is skewed horribly in favour of those deemed to still be All Black contenders. A seasoned professional such as Troy Flavell, who could be a critical member of a Super14 squad, simply won't get a fair deal in New Zealand.

It doesn't matter that he's in supreme physical condition. It doesn't matter that he is a former captain of the Blues or that he would be a massive influence on a young North Harbour squad. The New Zealand Rugby Union contracting system rewards only those who could yet feature in a black jersey.

The decision was made that Flavell wasn't a realistic All Black, so no offer came.

It's no wonder so few New Zealanders come back after heading offshore. A handful have - Luke McAlister, Chris Jack and Daniel Braid, but all three have been identified as test prospects.

For the likes of Flavell, Carlos Spencer, Andrew Blowers and, to a lesser extent, Greg Somerville, the global market is more appreciative of their abilities.

Bayonne understand what a 33-year-old lock can bring. Flavell will arrive in France carrying the expectation he will deliver leadership, consistency of performance and a bit of edge.

Forwards like Flavell who have played at the highest level for more than a decade bring more than just grunt and reliability on the field. They guide younger players.

They offer invaluable advice about nutrition, fitness routines and the way to prepare on the day of the game. They pitch in with sound ideas about the gameplan and have a quiet word in the ear of those around them who might be straying from the best path.

There are only seven New Zealand players in their 30s contracted to play Super14. There are 17 in South Africa and another 15 who will turn 30 this year. When it comes to determining why the likes of the Bulls and Stormers have performed so strongly, the contribution of their experienced players can't be ignored.

The reason so many of them stay in or return to South Africa is they don't need to prove they are good enough to play test football to earn a fair deal.

Look at Stefan Terblanche at the Sharks - the 34-year-old has been superb at fullback and on the wing and is an obvious influence on 19-year-old Patrick Lambie.

The Sharks saw the value of that, which is why they made Terblanche a competitive offer in 2007 to get him from the Ospreys in Wales.

Flavell, on the other hand, has been denied the chance to mentor the promising James King and Filo Paulo at North Harbour.

His choice was to stay in New Zealand playing just for Harbour at a maximum of $90,000 or head to France for probably three times as much.