Tana Umaga believes the time has come for New Zealand Rugby (NZR) to change its policy of not selecting overseas-based players for Test matches.<\/p>\n
There has been lots of debate about the NZR\u2019s eligibility rules in recent years as it currently prevents New Zealanders, who are plying their trade abroad, from representing the All Blacks unless they are granted a sabbatical by the governing body.<\/p>\n
Former All Blacks<\/a> head coach Scott Robertson initially urged NZR\u2019s policymakers to keep an open mind on their eligibility rules, but the governing body revealed that they would not be changing their policy regarding the selection of overseas-based players for internationals anytime soon.<\/p>\n Although he was relieved of his duties as All Blacks boss earlier this year, Robertson had a change of heart on player eligibility in 2025 and was supporting NZR\u2019s policy of not selecting overseas-based players.<\/p>\n Dave Rennie eager to bring back Brodie Retallick<\/p>\n However, Robertson\u2019s successor, Dave Rennie, also raised the topic of selecting overseas-based players shortly after he was appointed when he revealed that he is keen to recall legendary All Blacks lock Brodie Retallick, who is based in Japan at the same club that Rennie is currently coaching, Kobelco Kobe Steelers.<\/p>\n Now newly appointed All Blacks defence coach Umaga<\/a> has echoed Rennie\u2019s sentiments and revealed that although he changed his mind on the hotly debated topic.<\/p>\n \u201cMy usual answer would be no, because I was a big believer that if you want to play for the All Blacks, you need to be based here and commit to New Zealand,\u201d he told Radio New Zealand<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cBut with so many young players leaving so early, you\u2019re probably not getting the experience and players you need at Test level.\u201d<\/p>\n Stephen Donald hails impact of All Blacks star and how he\u2019s \u2018turned into a very clever footballer\u2019 since lengthy injury lay-off<\/a><\/p>\n The former All Blacks captain believes that it\u2019s important for the matter to be discussed and used the Springboks as an example of how beneficial it can be to select overseas-based players at international level.<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s still the status quo in me, but then I see where South Africa are,\u201d said Umaga, who is currently coaching Super Rugby Pacific outfit Moana Pasifika.<\/p>\n \u2018You just think of what\u2019s best\u2019<\/p>\n \u201cEveryone\u2019s talking about it. I suppose I\u2019m not as hard as I was before. You just think of what\u2019s best.\u201d<\/p>\n