Force Youngster Eyes French Sojourn

[Burgs]

Force Youngster Eyes French Sojourn

Talented Western Force fly-half Scott Daruda is considering a contract offer to play with leading French club Clermont Auvergne.

The 21 year old fly-half was a foundation signing for the Western Force but his two seasons have yielded only six appearances after suffering a nerve injury in his neck against the Waratahs last season.

Since regaining full fitness, Daruda has been selected on the Force bench four times this season but has taken the field only once. The lack of opportunity as backup to Matt Giteau and James Hilgendorf appears to be a major factor in his pending decision.

A product of Nudgee College in Brisbane, Daruda joined the Reds Academy as a 15 y.o. and represented Qld and Australia ‘A’ Schoolboys before securing an ARU High Performance contract in 2005.

He made two appearances for the Reds before heading west.

Last season’s injury put him out of action for five months and meant a forced withdrawal from the Australian U21 squad.

The news of Daruda’s potential signing comes at an unfortunate time as Australian Rugby has recently attracted criticism for courting big name league players at the expense of nurturing and developing its emerging talent.

Big spending French clubs are looking to bolster their ranks after the Rugby World Cup and recent signings include George Gregan and Byron Kelleher.

Other All Blacks being targeted include Luke McAlister, Doug Howlett and Ali Williams.

Australian Rugby cannot afford to lose players of Daruda’s calibre, especially when significant funds have been invested in his career pathway over the last six years. He is youngster who has demonstrated flair and vision as a fly-half/centre in his limited opportunities.

Hopefully it is still not too late to secure his future in Australia.

- Gordon Bray

[frontrow]

How come the media and the fans can see that the signing of big name league converts is hurting the grassroots game and talent pool retention, yet the ARU cannot...Anyone???????????

[Nick]

How come the media and the fans can see that the signing of big name league converts is hurting the grassroots game and talent pool retention, yet the ARU cannot...Anyone???????????

Well i dont think that is the case in this specific instance Front row, with Hilgendorf and Giteau blocking his way into the Force starting Line up and big fat pay cheques waitning for him in the Northern hemisphere. Not sure how rugby league fits into this one.

Defiantly player retention is a problem in NZ and I believe will spread it's way to Aust with young playr looking to chase the dollar while still at the height of the potential and national carreers or in this case a hope for the future.

It use to be just old players looking for the golden handshake put I believe it is becomming one of the most serious issues in Rugby with the Southern Hemisphere players being raided by the Northern hemisphere teams who are more intrested in buying a team then developing one domestically.

It's not just happening to the Pacific Nations and Argentina now its happening to the top tier nations and it's a real danger. The pride of the national Jersy is losing out to the dollar.

[Burgs]

So you would think that the only real answers for SH Rugby is more dollars and teams or bigger squads with longer seasons (ie more player turnover from injury and Test selection) if they wish to combat the problem.

[Nick]

So you would think that the only real answers for SH Rugby is more dollars and teams or bigger squads with longer seasons (ie more player turnover from injury and Test selection) if they wish to combat the problem.

Im not sure there is any quick fix to be honest, I think it's soemthing both Hemispheres need to look at. Firstly there needs to be a better international rugby calendar with more of a international season. Secondly it's not just a Sh problem it must be damaging the development of quality players in the NH too.

In fact I think the problem stems from the fact that the clubs are the predominant force in NH Rugby and that too often the International teams in the NH are forced to bow to the clubs. A limit of how many international players in each club - much like NZ and SAF have would make a huge difference.

And Yes the sad fact is that while we often here complaints that players are getting to much and that we need a salary cap we are not internationally competitive. I think Aust Rugby Leauge is luck that the NH clubs dont view their players as highly as the ARU becuase the cheque book would see most of them gone.

I dont know if injury and bigger squads is the answer but we are losing a lot of young talent.