Rugby: Pacific Islands call for action

Michael Jones. Photo / Brett Phibbs

All Black legend Michael Jones is pleased to see pressure coming on the International Rugby Board (IRB) to relax their rules about player eligibility.

Prime Minister John Key and RWC Minister Murray McCully have both said it's "common sense" for Pacific Island players who fail to make the All Black squad, to have the opportunity to represent their island nation.

But they agree it's probably too late to see any changes in place before next year's World Cup.

The pair are backing calls from island states for the IRB to show more flexibility in its attitude to allowing players of Pacific background who have played for the junior or senior All Blacks to play for their home countries.

Under current rules players who represent one country must stand down for four years before being eligible to represent another.

Michael Jones told TV3 News changes to eligibility rules would inject new competition and excitement into the international game.

He said a strong Pacific island rugby presence would be great for the sport.

So many talented players have nowhere to ply their trade, said Jones.

Speaking from the Pacific Island Forum in Vanuatu, Mr McCully said it had a detrimental effect on Pacific island rugby as it ruled them out even if they were not wanted by All Black selectors.

"One of the issues, for Samoa in particular, is that they are denied the opportunity to put their most competitive team on the field for international competition."

Island nations wanted more flexibility and the New Zealand Government was supportive of their stance.

Mr McCully said the IRB had a contrary view, but there was "a sense that there has been a more flexible view developing over time".

He said the rules were holding back the development of Pacific island rugby - a challenge they didn't need.

And Michael Jones said All Black fans have nothing to fear with rule changes.

"The New Zealand-born Pacific Islanders, they'll always gravitate towards the big dream - playing for the All Blacks."

- NZPA, NZHERALD STAFF