Wallabies options boosted as Giteau Law relaxed by Rugby Australia
The requirement of a minimum 60 Test caps and seven years of service in Australia to make overseas-based players available for national selection has been radically altered. See who is eligible now.
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Will Skelton, Rory Arnold and Tolu Latu have emerged as Wallabies contenders this year after Rugby Australia made a huge change to the Giteau Law.
For 2020 only, Wallabies coach Dave Rennie will be allowed to choose two overseas-based players who do not qualify for the national team under the Giteau Law – that requires a minimum 60 Test caps and seven years of service in Australia.
Locks Skelton and Arnold, and hooker Latu, all based in France, can fill holes most needed in the Wallabies ranks.
Izack Rodda, the Queensland lock who sensationally defected mid-season and joined French club Lyon, would also come into consideration.
Rennie could also look at Japan-based backrower Sean McMahon and centre Samu Kerevi, however he has far more depth in those positions at home.
Aside from Reds second rower Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, there is a severe shortage of internationally experienced locks, with Rob Simmons having signed to London Irish, although he will still be in consideration for early Test matches.
The Brumbies’ Folau Fainga’a and Melbourne’s Jordan Uelese are leading candidates for the hooking spot, but Rennie must have three in his squad and Latu is the prime candidate.
World Rugby’s regulation nine window would allow Rennie to bring back overseas-based players for the dates tentatively locked in for The Rugby Championship – November 7 to December 12.
That means if the planned extra Bledisloe Cup matches go ahead against the All Blacks on October 10 and 17, the overseas-based picks would not be available.
Rennie will name his first Test squad on Sunday. That is not expected to include his two picks.
Rennie and his fellow selectors will not be able to automatically select who they want.
They’ll have to discuss their picks with Australia’s Super Rugby sides, who will put forward the case for their own talent, and then the two players must be approved by three RA board members; Daniel Herbert, Phil Waugh and Hayden Rorke.
RA said this change to selection policy will only apply to the 2020 Test season due to COVID.
“First and foremost, it is crucial that we recognise those players who are currently making a daily contribution to rugby in Australia, and that will be reflected in the squad we name for this year’s Test season,” Rennie said.
“We now have the chance to select one or two players based overseas who don’t meet the current criteria and they’ll not only add some experience to our group but be able to guide our young players to help their development.
“We are also looking long term though. We want to bring players back to play Super Rugby here in Australia, especially those who are passionate about playing for the Wallabies, get them excited about being in the environment again and this is a great way to encourage that.”
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RA interim chief Rob Clarke added: “This is a prudent and measured step in response to the unprecedented impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on Australian rugby and the broader rugby community.
“Dave will soon assemble his squad and they’re likely to remain in a ‘bubble’ for 10 weeks with no opportunity to call in replacements for injury due to the quarantined environment. It will be a real test for those players selected, and the Wallabies management team, but I know they are incredibly excited about the opportunity.
“We are being quite clear that this addition is for this year only but that we will continue to review the entire policy from time to time, as required.”
Originally published as Wallabies options boosted as Giteau Law relaxed by Rugby Australia