Former Springbok scrumhalf Kevin Putt says Super Rugby no longer prepares players for Test rugby.
The New Zealander, who played 11 tour matches for his adopted nation and was an unused replacement in eight Tests, was speaking on Sky Sport NZ’s The Breakdown.
Unlike the world champion Springboks, who select players based at clubs around the world, the All Blacks require players to play their rugby in New Zealand to be eligible for Test selection.
Putt believes that policy needs to change, with Super Rugby no longer the competition it once was following South Africa’s exit in 2020.
“I’m a big advocate of allowing our best players to go and play overseas,” Putt said. “Money alone is not going to be enough to save rugby in this country.
“If you look at Super Rugby, it’s not a competition that prepares players for Test rugby. The NPC is like a development league and isn’t going to get your All Blacks battle-ready for big-time rugby either.
“It would be better if our best players didn’t play in those competitions. Playing against Australia [in Super Rugby] year in and year out doesn’t make the All Blacks any better prepared to be a contender at the World Cup.
“Our best players should go and play in places like Japan and France. They’re too good to play Super Rugby. Do what South Africa does.”
MORE: NZ Rugby faces financial black hole
Putt’s comments come amid mounting concern over NZ Rugby’s finances.
A leaked report has warned that its current financial model is “clearly unsustainable”, with the governing body potentially facing losses of as much as NZ$66-million (R618-million) over the next five years.
“I don’t believe in selling rugby to businessmen. I don’t think you want to lose control of your players,” Putt said. “However, we need money to market the sport better and grow it.”
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Photo: Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images
The post Putt: All Blacks should play overseas appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Former Springbok scrumhalf Kevin Putt says Super Rugby no longer prepares players for Test rugby.
The post Putt: All Blacks should play overseas appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
