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All Black assistant coach Steve Hansen says changing New Zealand rugby's rule about overseas-based players not being eligible for the All Blacks is "not an option".'
Speaking after Chris Jack confirmed yesterday what had been known for some time - that he was leaving New Zealand after the World Cup to play in the UK (for Saracens) - Hansen said doing away with the eligiblity rule would be wrong.
"When we've got players playing overseas and being available to play for the All Blacks, then we lose our exclusivity of being able to develop players here," he said.
"Everyone who is staying at the moment is staying because they want to play for the All Blacks, and we just can't afford to lose our trump card."
Both Hansen and former All Black captain Todd Blackadder said money was not the only reason behind the exodus of players to the northern hemisphere, and talked of the pulling power of "lifestyle changes".
Echoing Graham Henry's contention that the pressure on New Zealand rugby players was another reason, Hansen and Blackadder said shorter rugby seasons in New Zealand would not entice top players to stay.
"The season overseas is not any shorter, they play just as many games if not more," Hansen said. "What is different is that when they play overseas they just play for one team, whereas in New Zealand they play Super 14 and international rugby.
"It's disappointing to see a quality player like Jacko leave but he's been a great servant to New Zealand rugby and needed to make this decision based on what's good for him and his family - and we have to support that," he said.
Blackadder said it was time to look at alternative ways of retaining top players. "There are a lot of different circumstances and reasons that the guys want to go overseas," he said.
"Maybe we have to tailor contracts to suit individual players.
"We need to find a way to keep them in New Zealand."
Hansen agreed.
"It's not all about the money," he said. "We all know we can't compete financially and that overseas clubs can offer more money, and that's the cold hard facts of it. But we still have the lure of the black jersey."
Blackadder said the money had little to do with the final decision.
"It's not about the money - when they go overseas it's more about experience and lifestyle. The money we make in rugby is certainly no retirement fund."
Jack himself quoted lifestyle as a key factor in his decision. He said there was life outside New Zealand, and life outside rugby, and he was looking forward to experiencing it.
"It's pretty exciting. My wife Kym is pregnant, and due in two months, and this will give us a chance for us to spend some time together."
The decision was an easy one.
"It was the decision that was right for me and for my family."
