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LONDON - Outgoing International Rugby Board president (IRB) Syd Millar has voiced his concern at the amount of New Zealand and southern hemisphere talent heading to Europe to chase bigger money.
Traditional rugby powers New Zealand, Australia and South Africa could be weakened by this trend, said Millar, who is due to make way for Frenchman Bernard Lapasset on January 1.
"We have New Zealanders and South Africans coming in after the World Cup. That will decimate those strong countries," the 73-year-old Irishman said in an interview posted on the BBC's website today.
"We've got to be very careful we don't upset the balance so they are no longer major countries competing at the top."
All Blacks Carl Hayman, Chris Jack, Rico Gear and Luke McAlister and South Africa first five-eighth Butch James have joined English clubs since the World Cup.
John Smit, who captained the Springboks to victory over England in the World Cup final in Paris in October, and fellow forward Victor Matfield are among a number of southern hemisphere players who have joined French clubs.
The IRB is working on an integrated international calendar to reduce to a minimum the club v country clash over the release of players.
"The money is in Europe," said Millar. "The players themselves would rather be at home, they will tell you that themselves.
"There's a huge attraction in coming to Europe. They don't have to travel, they get well paid and have already claimed their All-Black jersey. We've got to be very careful."
Millar was also concerned about the effect of the exodus from the south on the European nations.
"Clubs should really be developing players. We're denying Irishmen or Englishmen or whoever the opportunity of playing if we bring people in," he said.
"You have the example of the English soccer team. It's a huge problem and we've got to be very careful."
Millar was referring to England's failure to qualify for the Euro 2008 soccer finals, which led many critics to blame the high percentage of foreign players at Premier League clubs.
- REUTERS
