All Blacks Coach, Dave Rennie appears keen to succeed where predecessor Scott Robertson failed in getting New Zealand Rugby to soften its firm stance on the All Blacks’ eligibility rules.
Confirmed as the new All Blacks coach today, Rennie dropped somewhat of a bombshell by declaring he would want legendary lock Brodie Retallick, who is based in Japan, involved with the test side again.
Instead of dismissing it, Rennie reignited the thorny issue, one that will probably never recede because of the abundance of talented Kiwi players operating around the globe.
NZ Rugby has long maintained that All Blacks can’t be selected from overseas clubs.
Rennie used Retallick as an example, the pair have a close relationship from Rennie’s Chiefs days from 2012-17 and were reunited at Japanese club Kobe Steelers in 2023.
He says he can comment on Brodie Retallick as he gets to see him train and play every week adding that he is stronger and he’s fitter than he’s ever been.
Rennie pointed out that the 34-year-old, a World Cup winner in 2015 who played 109 tests as one of test rugby’s most formidable locks, was the top try-scorer in Japanese rugby’s League One with 11 tries from 10 matches.
The incoming coach says he is not sure if he is allowed to pick him yet, but there is no doubt, they want to win the World Cup, and they need their best players available.
Rennie stated this while standing next to NZ Rugby chair David Kirk, and they are sure to discuss the matter once his contract with Kobe ends in June.
The former Wallabies coach, who reiterated he was a “proud Kiwi” after nine years away since his last job at home with the Chiefs, has been contracted to lead the All Blacks to next year’s World Cup in Australia.
Rennie’s comments will nevertheless trigger the old debate and probably be discussed in depth by rugby heads across the land.
The Springboks, the formidable world champions under Rassie Erasmus, are not bound by the same eligibility criteria pours fuel on the issue.
Economic realities challenging South Africa mean Springboks can earn far greater riches playing their domestic rugby abroad.
Richie Mo’unga is returning to New Zealand this year and is expected to be available for the All Blacks’ tour of South Africa in August and September.
