Rugby World Cup
Hardie inclusion 'tough' on homegrown players
ESPN Staff
July 16, 2015
John Hardie runs with the ball avoiding incoming tackles.
John Hardie runs with the ball avoiding incoming tackles.© Teaukura Moetaua/Getty Images

Former Scotland winger Kenny Logan has criticised Vern Cotter's decision to call New Zealand-born flanker John Hardie into his World Cup training squad.

Hardie, who qualifies for Scotland through his grandmother, has been on Cotter's radar for some time, but as recently as February admitted he had "always aspired to be an All Black".

But while his new international coach is confident he will make an impact in blue, 70-times capped Logan is worried his inclusion could affect morale among homegrown players.

"When I heard Scotland had called John Hardie into their World Cup squad I must admit my first thought was not again," Logan wrote on Kicca.

"It is within the rules and he does qualify because his grandmother is from Scotland, but it is still hard on our home grown players.

"He's a quality player and is a good addition to the squad but it is still very tough on the players who have worked and trained all-year round to make it into the squad.

"Finding overseas players has become part of the modern game. If you can enhance your team by looking elsewhere then it will happen. I don't blame the players, but it doesn't always feel right."

© ESPN Staff

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