Relaxed rules make Wallabies a force

 

Foley recently became the first, of what will be a very small group of players, to sign a "flexible contract", which allows him to play two seasons in Japan over the next three years, while also playing for the Waratahs and remaining eligible to represent Australia.

 

Last week, the Australian Rugby Union announced another initiative aimed at swelling the pool of available talent, by revealing overseas-based players who had played professionally at home for seven years and accumulated 60 Test caps would be eligible for Wallabies selection.

 

"For Australian rugby I think it's in really good stead," Foley told the Australian Associated Press

 

"The next couple of years we should be really challenging to regain the form that we had back in the past."

 

Another player who is seeing merit in the rule change is Departing Wallaby Adam Ashley-Cooper who says he will make himself available for a Test call-up should he be needed from France in coming seasons. 

 

Ashley-Cooper could be one of the first beneficiaries of the ARU's new policy on selecting long-serving overseas-based players for Wallabies duty. 

 

The evergreen utility is entering his 10th and final season in a gold jersey and has amassed 104 Test caps over that period, putting him well within the ARU's new stipulation.

 

"I said long before or during speculation about this change that I will always put my hand up to play for Australia," Ashley-Cooper said.

 

"Whether or not I'll be fast enough or sharp enough to do that, that would be up to me in years to come. But I'll always put my hand up."

 

The experienced player gave his blessing to the changes, which were announced last week with immediate effect. 

 

"I see it as a great reward for blokes who've given seven years [and] more than 60 caps to the ARU," he said. 

 

"In the end I think you'll see it will retain young players, give them that incentive to reach that criteria to give them an option later on in their career.

 

"It's a win-win for the player who's reached that goal and also the ARU who are going to be able to conserve a bit of money to put into the youth of Australian rugby."

 

The changes could also bring about a reunion of epic proportions, if Cheika drafts Toulon-based midfielder Matt Giteau and his teammate and former Wallaby and Waratah Drew Mitchell. 

 

"There are a few guys who are eligible, George Smith, Matt Giteau, Drew Mitchell, all very close friends of mine who I spent many years and many Tests and tours with. That could be a special moment," Ashley-Cooper said. 

 

"But highlighting Giteau's career, it gives him a really good opportunity to reach that 100-Test mark that he deserves.

 

"It's up to him now, the ball's in his court to be playing well to grant him selection in the World Cup squad."