Super 14 stars to delay move north?

Friday 29 January 2010
Published By: Ben Welch
Super Rugby > Waratahs

A host of players from the southern hemisphere have at some point made the switch to Europe, but the trend may be set to die out.

Green and Gold Rugby observed a decline in Aussies choosing to ply their trade in the leagues of the north, with potential salary caps expecting to limit interest.

Former Warratah and current London Irish player Peter Hewat told the site migrants definitely seem to be dropping.

"With the foreign rule in the UK it is harder to get in and with the downturn in the economy clubs have tightened their belts so the big money deals aren't so big," he said.

Rocky Elsom, Chris Latham and Carlos Spence were among the names highlighted as having made the move, before ultimately returning to the southern hemisphere.

And the suggestion was that in the future, stars will be looking to see out their careers in Europe, rather than enjoy their best years there.

Meanwhile, Australian Super 14 sides have pledged to make rugby more entertaining this season, in a bid to get fans in the stands.

Posted by Ben Welch