Australia A - Back on the Cards

[Tomikin]

Looks like we will be picking an Australia A team of players not within the England series and sending them to the Pacific, which could be a good thing for Australia rugby... There is a little bit of a worry we will Cap people who may wish to play for others, but I guess it will force their hand.

Return of Australia ‘A’ team prompts eligibility jitters in Super ranks

The Australia “A” team is set for games in July in the Pacific Islands but it could force some players to make a call on their long-term future.

www.smh.com.au

I think we should be smart about it, take player interests into account, and not CAP someone who realistically could play for other countries who probably would never make the Wallabies squad.

 

[Derpus]

Looks like we will be picking an Australia A team of players not within the England series and sending them to the Pacific, which could be a good thing for Australia rugby... There is a little bit of a worry we will Cap people who may wish to play for others, but I guess it will force their hand.

Return of Australia ‘A’ team prompts eligibility jitters in Super ranks

The Australia “A” team is set for games in July in the Pacific Islands but it could force some players to make a call on their long-term future.

www.smh.com.au

I think we should be smart about it, take player interests into account, and not CAP someone who realistically could play for other countries who probably would never make the Wallabies squad.

Does Aus A count as an official cap?

 

[qwerty51]

if you read the article... yes.

 

[Dan54]

Well think every country have test team and one other that counts as making players ineligible for anyone else, think NZ is alao Abs and NZ 'A', so proba.ly does.

Whoops sorry, then just read article and it says it in there anyway.

 

[Marce]

if you read the article... yes.

If I decide not to read the article then... no?

 

[Wilson]

Does Aus A count as an official cap?

Yes, but I think it's only if the opposition is also an official cap team (so not against a super side). I think British and Irish Lions do count because of the eligibility restrictions to play for them, not sure about the Barbarians.

 

[Tomikin]

I guess it means players will need to make a choice either think they will get selected for the Wallabies and Play or decided that's unlikely and refuse the Australia A call-up...

 

[qwerty51]

That's exactly what the article touches on. It references Michael Ala'alatoa and Tyrel Lomax declined to play for the Aus Barbarians in 2016 since they were worried it would capture them (it ended up not counting and David Lohlohea played and then capped for Tonga the following year).

 

[Pass it to Dunning!]

I wonder if the Australia A team is going to be considered a development side or team selected purely for competitiveness.

 

[Micheal]

If I decide not to read the article then... no?

Schrödinger's cap

 

[Silverado]

Does Aus A count as an official cap?

No

 

[qwerty51]

I wonder if the Australia A team is going to be considered a development side or team selected purely for competitiveness.

I don't see how those are exclusive? It should be the next best 23 (or maybe 30 for squad) players after the Wallabies squad of 30. Which is 80% of Australian super rugby starters...

 

[Rebel man]

Love this, we should try and get them going off the Europe play the sides in the European championship

 

[WorkingClassRugger]

Love this, we should try and get them going off the Europe play the sides in the European championship

Not just Europe. South America as well. The likes of Uruguay and Chile would relish the opportunity to play Aus A on a reasonably regular basis.

 

[Rebel man]

Not just Europe. South America as well. The likes of Uruguay and Chile would relish the opportunity to play Aus A on a reasonably regular basis.

I am happy to send them anywhere. Put it on tv and I will watch it

 

[Clubhouse coach]

Any thoughts on a Australia A game day squad?

 

[RugbyReg]

Did this one a couple of weeks ago. Probably a few changes needed but fine as a discussion point.

 

[Rugbynutter39]

Not just Europe. South America as well. The likes of Uruguay and Chile would relish the opportunity to play Aus A on a reasonably regular basis.

Not sure would have the funds for that as travelling to South America and Europe sounds whole lot more expensive. I would have thought even investing in nrc then Australia A competition in the pacific would also be better investment. Or have I missed something.

 

[Clubhouse coach]

Thanks Reg, two good squads. I like your selection of Uru, I would hope that Frost, Fines Leleiwasa and Fa’amausili may get a look in also. Can see big benefits in this set up for Ryan Lonergan.

 

[Rugbynutter39]

Did this one a couple of weeks ago. Probably a few changes needed but fine as a discussion point. View attachment 13424

I would not mind seeing these two Sides play a trial game.