ARU eligibility changes put elite players at the forefront of the Rugby Worldcup

The Australian Rugby Union announced on the 22nd of April changes to its Player Contracting Policy, effectively allowing elite players based overseas to now be eligible for selection for the Wallabies.

The changes allow players who have both played more than 60 Tests for Australia and played a minimum 7 years for an Australian Rugby side to be eligible for the Wallabies. In addition, under the revised policy, players who decide to make a two year contractual agreement to return to an Australian Super Rugby club from an overseas one will also become eligible.

This policy was created to draw Australians who currently participate in overseas competitions such as the European Rugby Championship Cup to come back and compete in Australia. This was created in order to draw back good Australian talent and enhance the Super Rugby competition in Australia. What this policy change also does is cater to those elite players that the Wallabies were missing due to their previous eligibility rules.

Matt Giteau

The major winners from this policy change are Matt Giteau and Drew Mitchell from French club RC Toulonnais and George Smith currently playing for Stade Français.

Matt Giteau and Drew Mitchell have been integral players in RC Toulannais rise to become champions in the past year, which would only add to their impressive rugby resume. With all three of the players having stellar careers, Matt Giteau would seem favourite to earn a call back into the Wallabies side. Giteau has been one of the most outstanding players at RC Toulonnais, claiming the European Championship and the Top 14 in France in 2014.

George Smith

With the Rugby World Cup only four months away these players will now be in the thoughts of Australian selectors and they deserve to be. With all three of the players mentioned above having 266 games of experience between them, they would add valuable leadership and class to the Wallabies World Cup squad.

Drew Mitchell

This change in policy from the ARU is a historical moment in Australian Rugby that is sure to shape the future of the Wallabies. It will be interesting to see how selectors go about choosing their side for the Rugby World Cup, whether they choose players from overseas or not. Although if Michael Cheika sticks to his selection criteria based on form, then Matt, Drew and George will be back in Wallabies colours in no time.

Story and pictures provided by Matt Elder