RWC - Will the best of the Tier 2 & 3 nations even be there?

[Gnostic]

There have been allegations aplenty around the last three RWC that the best players from the Tier 2 and 3 nations were "encouraged" to "retire" from international Rugby even though they were still playing very well and would have been certainties for national selection.

Already Santiago Dellape (Italy) has "retired" to continue playing for Racing Metro.

Discussion people.

 

[Ali's Choice]

Happened last RWC. From memory didn't a couple of Samoan players pull out of the tournament citing family reasons.

 

[Gnostic]

Yes, and those reasons were and remain valid with their clubs reportedly holding future contracts over them if they made themselves available for International Duties. Remember Trevor Leota "retiring" and he was still at his peak. It was a fair step down from Leota to their 2nd Choice hooker (can't remember his name now) but I have always thought that the Samoans could have done better in 2007 and 2003 if they had all their first choice players.

IMO the IRB should stipulate zero other Rugby be played during the RWC window.

 

[jay-c]

IMO the IRB should stipulate zero other Rugby be played during the RWC window.

i concur~

 

[tigerland12]

I really hope they do, the islander countries are always my "other" teams at a world cup. I love watching them play, would be a massive shame if their best players didn't go.