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All Smiles - Dan Carter |
Rugby clubs across the globe may be feeling the affects
of the economic downturn but it appears ‘Le credit
crunch’ could work to Top 14’s favour if weekend reports
are to be believed.
The
French open market system, with its lack of salary caps,
has already proved too tempting for the likes of Dan
Carter and Jerry Collins, but now it looks as if the
fiscal pressures being imposed in Great Britain could
spawn another surge of foreign imports.
French sports minister Bernard Laporte may not like the
idea – he told Mid-Olympique today that he wants to
limit the number of ‘les etrangers’ in Top 14 – but
that’s not going to stop clubs trying to recruit
high-profile players who will add both kudos and
marketing ability, in addition to playing strength.
And
it’s not hard to see why. Monday’s papers were full of
the exploits of Clermont’s Fijian winger Napolioni
Nalaga after he scored four tries against Toulon, while
the Sunday evening clash between Brive and Perpignan was
pared down to a two-man duel that saw Carter overshadow
his English rival Andy Goode – who is still the leading
points-scorer in Top 14.
Elsewhere, there was much rejoicing at the marvels of
Stade Francais’ Argentine magician Juan-Martin Hernandez
and Toulouse’s ex-All Black scrum-half Byron Kelleher.
Yes,
there are many foreign players in Top 14, but no-one is
seriously going to stand in the way of the very best
heading to these shores.
That’s why the likes Danny Cipriani, James Haskell and
Luke McAlister would be welcomed in France with open
arms (see
report).
Cipriani is exactly the type of player the French covet,
with his off-the-cuff talent seemingly tailor-made for a
high-earning season or two in Top 14. McAllister,
likewise, is a true star of world rugby and would be an
asset to any club.
Both
are nearing the end of their contracts – at London Wasps
and Sale respectively – and both are keen to cash in on
their talents.
The
trouble for the Guinness Premiership is twofold: Not
only are British clubs tied by a salary cap – currently
£4m, but possibly down to £3.5m next year – but the
Pound is also sinking without trace against the
resurgent Euro.
That
may be bad news for the Francophile retirees but it
makes an enticing prospect for those coming from abroad
to earn.
Prior to this season that was mainly players heading to
France from the southern hemisphere, but the weakening
pound has further strengthened the Gallic appeal. And
with so many internationals now plying their trade in
France – and mainly in the sun-soaked south – the
language barrier is becoming less and less of a problem.
Indeed, several clubs now employ English-speaking
coaches, with Australian Ewen McKenzie at Stade Francais
and Kiwis Tana Umaga and Vern Cotter at Toulon and
Clermont respectively.
So,
while agents will no doubt encourage talk of their
charges seeking greater riches in France as a means of
increasing domestic contract offers – if that’s not too
cynical – there must also be a worrying reality that
those rumours could become fact if the wealthy Top 14
owners decide to open their cheque books.
Perpignan, certainly, will be looking for a suitable
replacement for Carter when the All Black No 10 finishes
his six-month sabbatical, and the decision of Sale’s
Sebastien Chabal and Philippe Saint-Andre to return home
to France could have more than a passing impact on
McAlister.
As
of January 1st potential suitors are now
entitled to woo their targets, and as Sale head coach
Kingsley Jones conceded: “If the figures being banded
round are true then it’s going to be very difficult to
compete with that and have a squad of 30 players.”
