SA Rugby high-performance GM Dave Wessels has called for compensation for talent-exporting unions after reports Ireland are targeting an Australian prop.
According to Codesports.com, Massimo De Lutiis is weighing up a “life-changing” offer from the Irish RFU as they seek to bolster their tighthead stocks.
The 22-year-old, currently on the Reds’ books, qualifies for Ireland through his mother’s side of the family.
“This is crazy stuff,” Wessels tweeted. “Rugby needs a better model to compensate countries that are exporters of talent – similar to what Fifa has.
“At the moment the farmer who has spent years fattening the cow doesn’t get a cent when the cow goes to the abattoir … doesn’t work for farming. Can’t work for rugby.”
Wessels has also been vocal on social media about Ireland recruiting young South African talent.
When Bishops utility back Rynard Gordon joined Ulster’s academy, he quipped: “We must get the @IRFURugby a Loyalty Shopper Rewards card!”, referring to the fact that former Rondebosch and SA U18 flank Josh Neill linked up with Leinster’s academy earlier this year and has since represented Ireland U20.
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De Lutiis, who has played for Australia A, was included in a Wallabies training camp by coach Joe Schmidt in January, before he’d featured for the Reds.
Photo: Joe Allison/Getty Images
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SA Rugby high-performance GM Dave Wessels has called for compensation for talent-exporting unions after reports Ireland are targeting an Australian prop.
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