The recent couple of years have seen a huge player drain from countries such us New Zealand, Australia and South Africa. With England and France rugby clubs offering big money contracts countries are struggling to hold onto their players. In the past before the professional era it meant everything to wear the however now in the professional era players are looking to the bank and thinking of their future after their playing days are over.



The French teams and scouts have come under a lot of criticism for offering huge contracts with people within the industry saying they are completely out of control. Many experts believe if it continues they will undermine the international competition as the current rules with many unions state that players are not eligible if they play for foreign clubs. Due to the small population of countries such as New Zealand and Australia they struggle to get large crowds and thus big sponsorship deals.

So who will not be playing in the and All Black Rugby shirt next year? Well we already now that Carl Hayman, Bryony Kelleher and Aaron Mauger are overseas and there is talk of another 4 or 5 big name players considering the move. Australia will be losing Chris Latham for a reported ?900,000 three year deal with Worcester who has also signed Rico Gear and Sam Tuitupou some of New Zealand best talent.

So what can be done by the smaller rugby unions? Well we think the answer is not much! The budgets are generally already thin and with the NZRU hosting the world cup in three more years they are already under a lot of pressure. They will be crossing their fingers that that the star talent keeps coming through the grades and that the French and English realise that they have over inflated the player market. In terms of Unions paying the equivalent it simply is not possible at the moment. As an example top All Blacks are earning around ?150,000 a year and can expect more with endorsements however can expect us much as ?500,000 with a English or French club.

It is expected that many young rugby players that have dreamed about All Black Jersey will be lured to England and France before they even reach an international level. However even with this said the All Blacks should continue to be one of the most competitive rugby teams in the world.