Do The All Blacks Need To Change Their Eligibility Rules?

New Zealand Rugby currently has a policy of nurturing homegrown talent. One way it does this is by preventing New Zealanders working abroad from playing for the national team, unless they are granted a sabbatical by the governing body. Former coach Scott Robertson had been critical of this, with New Zealand Rugby refusing to budge. With Robertson gone and a few candidates for replacement, could the All Blacks need a change to their eligibility rules, not just for players, but also to look further afield for coaching staff?

The dismissal of Robertson has thrown up many issues regarding acquisitions from abroad. While New Zealand Rugby have not reached a verdict on whether it will consider foreign coaches, they have admitted to being open about the prospect. This was a point made by NZR chair David Kirk. At an Auckland press conference, he added, “We’re completely open. We’re going to cast the net wide. We’re going to get as many people as we can. We think coaching the All Blacks is the greatest rugby coaching role in the world.”

So far, none of Robertson’s assistants and staff have been given the boot.
However, this may just be a stay of execution. It is unlikely that any incoming coach will keep the remaining people, instead choosing to bring in their own trusted team. This makes the shake-up run far deeper than the dismissal of the head alone, changing the whole backroom ethos. Bringing in talent from abroad may also be required there.

Sponsors will also be spooked by the team's poor performance and upset at the helm. At the moment, the main sponsor is global construction firm Altrad. However, it may also put off the burgeoning gambling sector, which has long been attempting to drive sponsorship deals, as seen in many other sports. These forms of entertainment are now extremely popular, and there are even personalised questionnaires online that can help find the best ones. Bonusfinder has listed a lot of them here, along with an easy-to-complete questionnaire which will match players with the best bonus. This could be for certain table games or online pokies.  

Possible names being discussed include Ronan O’Gara. He has upped his game and learned his craft in New Zealand. He has worked at La Rochelle and under Robertson at Crusaders. The only bump in the road was if he did suddenly come back into contention for the Ireland job. While the IRFU does prefer candidates who have served time in the country, he has all the qualifications and has outwardly said it is his endgoal.

There are, of course, plenty of candidates born and bred in New Zealand. Joe Schmidt from the Wallabies has announced a desire to spend more time back in New Zealand with family once his role ends with Rugby Australia. This would suit him, though many people have earmarked him for more of a supporting role.  

Another option is to look beyond the borders of New Zealand for a coach. In such a prestigious position, it is sure to attract some of the best coaches on the globe. Sir John Kirwan, the All Blacks legend, has supported this.

One of the prime candidates is Rassie Erasmus. The South African coach has an outstanding record and is now considered world-class. In his second stint with the Springboks, he has been instrumental in their 2019 and 2023 World Cup wins. However, it would take a lot to prise him away from the role.

What he does show, however, is the benefit of getting someone from outside the country. South Africa has very little in the way of rules when it comes to hiring outside staff. This has worked very well for them.

Wayne Pivac, former Wales Head Coach, has come out in favour of keeping eligibility criteria. With 30 years of experience in Fiji, New Zealand, and Japan as well, he knows his game. He believes the policy of sabbaticals is the right decision and that opening it up to players working overseas will result in a dearth of talent left in the country, as there is more money in Japan and France for the game.

Thus, it seems unlikely this will change anytime soon. These sabbaticals granted have proven quite successful, with many players taking them up. It is a way for top players to go abroad and earn money, without relinquishing all ties to New Zealand and its league. However, when it comes to coaching staff and assistants, the net may need to be wider and looser. This will allow New Zealand to pick the best talent to enhance their squad and regain the reputation they once had.