South Africa alarm as Wales snap up young stars
January 20, 2000

The South African Rugby Union have aired concerns over a deal by the Wales Rugby Union to sign up five young South African players on scholarships costing £500,000.

A report in the British press highlighted the fact that a total of 32 players, who have been born in another country, have been claimed by the Scottish, Welsh and Irish Unions.

Wales coach Graham Henry claims that they were approached by an agent offering the players but Rhian Oberholzer, SARFU's chief executive and International Board delegate, was reported as saying, "I don't want to get into an argument with Graham Henry but I spoke to the agent concerned and he said he was approached by the Welsh union."

Oberholzer went on to question, "Has it got to the stage where you are allowed to buy an international team? If anyone says he is eligible to play for another country, the onus should be on him to provide the necessary documantation. I don't think this issue is out of control yet, but it will be soon if we don't act."

There is more concern over the three year residential qualification although on January 1 one rule came into effect that means uncapped players cannot switch national allegiance if they have been capped at A level.

The IRB will be urged as they meet in Dublin over the next three days to impose some stronger rules to govern the movement of players.

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