National Pride or Mercenary?

[DinkyDi]

An Article from Planet Rugby:

Few topics get fans hotter under the collar than the IRB's three-year residency rule, which has blurred the lines of loyalty, national pride and sporting fairness.

Last week, a national press agency released a story headlined "Strauss released to play for Scotland" in which Golden Lions president Kevin de Klerk explained how the Johannesburg team had released former captain Joshua Strauss following his "request to pursue his international career with Scotland" via a stint with Glasgow Warriors that would "make him eligible to... participate in the next World Cup."

Strauss is not Scottish by birth nor heritage, even if his impressive beard would have us believe he is a time-travelling Highlander from 1297. While you can't fault his desire to play Test rugby, it's hard not to tag him as a mercenary.

The British and Irish Lions are set to jet out to Australia next year with a squad - led by a Kiwi - likely to feature such names as Manu Tuilagi, Tim Visser, Richardt Strauss and Mouritz Botha.

Japan's squad at the 2011 World Cup was liberally sprinkled with New Zealanders and Pacific Islanders. Salesi Ma'afu is a Wallaby but his brother, Campese, plays for Fiji. A third brother, Apakuka, has played Sevens for Tonga...the list goes on and on.

It's a purist's nightmare.

But in the world of professional sport, where national teams have become commercial commodities, is it the responsibility of a team's coach/selectors to defend the integrity of that country's national identity? Is that even possible when the coach is also a foreigner?

Perhaps the question should be whether such ideas of nationality still have a place in the cultural mixing pot of today's Global Village. Should we condemn notions of exclusive nationality to the 1930s and accept that in 2012, your home is where you lay your hat?

[zed]

I do think they need to sort it out. The 3 year residency rule is a joke. Players Like Manu Tuilagi moved to England as a kid, so I can't see a problem with his qualifying for them. But players who move to another country and 3 years later are representing them is a different kettle of fish. For example - there are lots of Kiwis/Saffas/Aussies etc who have no chance of representing their country yet could probably walk into the Scotland side tomorrow. It's a situation that could become a nightmare if not handled properly. And it's a wonder that some of the weaker European teams have not been predominated by players of nationalities different to that of the country they are playing for. I think the residency rule needs to be changed to 5 years, minimum and all South Africans must have their beards shaved in public. Naked. By a black man. Who is also naked.

[sandgroperrugby]

I do think they need to sort it out. The 3 year residency rule is a joke. Players Like Manu Tuilagi moved to England as a kid, so I can't see a problem with his qualifying for them. But players who move to another country and 3 years later are representing them is a different kettle of fish. For example - there are lots of Kiwis/Saffas/Aussies etc who have no chance of representing their country yet could probably walk into the Scotland side tomorrow. It's a situation that could become a nightmare if not handled properly. And it's a wonder that some of the weaker European teams have not been predominated by players of nationalities different to that of the country they are playing for. I think the residency rule needs to be changed to 5 years, minimum and all South Africans must have their beards shaved in public. Naked. By a black man. Who is also naked.

he doesn't have a beard any more

[Alison]

all South Africans must have their beards shaved in public. Naked. By a black man. Who is also naked.

Can I watch?

[zed]

Can I watch?

So you can see a South African humiliated or a naked black man?

[James]

So you can see a South African humiliated or a naked black man?

She doesn't need to see a South African humiliated. She's watched the last three rounds of the RC.

[welshrugbyfan]

Who'd play for the Wobblies if they stopped this?
Posted via Mobile Device

[Stone Cold]

Everyone is originally from somewhere else. We all originally come from the cradle of africa if modern science is to be believed. Therefore we are all foreigners.

When does one become indigenous to an area? 3 years? 3 generations? 50,000 years?

Let there be rugby!

[jargan83]

Who'd play for the Wobblies if they stopped this?
Posted via Mobile Device

I bet Wales still couldn't beat us

[westies man]

[QUOTE=zed;32989 all South Africans must have their beards shaved in public. Naked. By a black man. Who is also naked.[/QUOTE]

Whatever spins your wheels.Have always said there a bit different up Wanneroo way

[Alison]

So you can see a South African humiliated or a naked black man?

Naked men, silly!!

[JediKnight]

I bet Wales still couldn't beat us

But Scotland still would!!!!

[welshrugbyfan]

I bet Wales still couldn't beat us

Probably could if you took all the non aussie born players in your team out.

Be quite easy really.

[James]

Beh. I'd wager at least a quarter of the Welsh team are English.

[brokendown gunfighter]

is prince charles eligible?