Editorial: Overseas-play rule should be bent for Cup

Carl Hayman. Photo / Getty Images

Opinion

The New Zealand Rugby Union was quick this week to deny a report that it may offer Carl Hayman a special three-month contract to play for the All Blacks at the World Cup. Chief executive Steve Tew said there was no plan to change the policy of not selecting players based overseas.

There is, indeed, plenty of justification for continuing with that rule. Equally, however, there is good reason to say it is too hard and fast, and that exceptions should be made for the likes of Hayman and, possibly, Nick Evans if it means the difference between winning and losing the World Cup.

The policy of not picking overseas-based players for the All Blacks is essentially sound. It means that young players not much out of school or who have shown promise in provincial or Super rugby are not lured by the money on offer in Europe and Japan. Most schoolboys who play rugby dream of making the All Blacks. The union rule, therefore, is an effective incentive for them to play much of their best rugby in this country.

But there seems little reason the policy should apply to Hayman, a veteran of 46 tests who is commonly regarded as among the best of tighthead props. The All Black selectors clearly consider his time with Newcastle and Toulon has not severely diminished his game.

Last year, before he signed a contract with the French club, they made strenuous efforts to attract him back to New Zealand for the World Cup. A more recent request to Toulon from NZRU medical experts about his state of health suggests they remain interested.

That interest should be pursued. The selectors should be free to look at all options if they see exceptional weaknesses in their squad. That applies particularly to pivotal positions, such as tighthead prop or first five-eighths.

Owen Franks has developed well in the position Hayman made his own, but this country does not boast great depth there. If Franks were injured before or during the World Cup, it would be comforting to know an experienced back-up was at hand. Past Cup campaigns have foundered because all the bases were not covered in this manner.

Offering Hayman a short-term contract would not invalidate the primary reason for the union rule. There would be no message to unproven young or promising players that they could expect to be selected for the All Blacks if they went overseas.

This would simply be a recognition that the policy is too rigid. It is notable that although there are special circumstances here, this is the only country that is so unbending in its attitude to overseas-based players.

The likes of South Africa and Australia have had good reason to adopt a different approach. And as much as New Zealand prides itself on having a conveyor belt of talent, the issue is bound to recur.

Even if Hayman is not recalled, what will be the position with Dan Carter if, as expected, he plays club rugby in France after the World Cup? He will remain the best first five-eighths in world rugby and there would be good reason to bring him back for tests.

It would be foolish to disregard him for a rule that has no relevance to his situation.