Highlanders chairman blasts draft system

Highlanders chairman Stuart McLaughlan has criticised New Zealand's Super 14 draft system, claiming too many quality rugby players are failing to get enough game time.

After another disappointing season from the Highlanders where they finished ninth and last of the New Zealand teams, McLaughlan lamented the draft system which allows a franchise to protect up to 24 players.

He told the Otago Daily Times that the draft saw quality players spend too much time on the sidelines while the Highlanders, with a limited provincial playing base, struggled with depth in key positions after they were hit by injuries.

McLaughlan said only 18 players should be protected.

"Isn't New Zealand rugby better off if you've got five strong franchises, instead of having two or three?"

Last season's draft Highlanders Anthony Tuitavake and Cameron McIntyre were retained by the Blues and Crusaders, respectively, this season but played only bit parts.

McLaughlan said both players could have played important roles for the Highlanders and strengthened New Zealand's assault on the Super 14 title.

"We had aspirations to do better. We lacked depth in some positions when we had injuries and that is an issue for rugby south of the Waitaki.

"We've got seven per cent of the rugby-playing population.

"You've got franchises like the Blues and Crusaders who lock players up, who then sit on the bench when they should be playing Super 14 rugby."

McLaughlan said the Highlanders franchise had raised the protected player issue with the New Zealand Rugby Union but were not holding out hope for an immediate change.

Meanwhile, McLaughlan said he was not aware of any dissatisfaction from the board over Greg Cooper's coaching performance, despite the team again languishing at the mid to bottom of the Super 14 table.

Cooper, who is one year into a three-year contract with the Highlanders, said he was keen to continue in the role.

- NZPA