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 | | Friday, 10 May, 2002, 09:46 GMT 10:46 UK Williams wants Springbok change  Williams wants a fresh approach from Sarfu
Former Springbok Chester Williams has called on the South African Rugby Football Union to select foreign-based players in the national side. A number of high-profile players have moved to Europe to play club rugby, with experienced wing Pieter Rossouw the latest departure. But the current stance from Sarfu means that unless Rossouw plays domestic rugby in South Africa he has no international future. Williams, a former international wing and the country's current Sevens coach, believes the approach is wrong.
He told BBC Sport Online: "I'd like to see the current policy change. "As a rugby fan you always want to see the best players playing for South Africa both at Sevens and XVs." South African rugby is in something of a slump at the moment with the national side losing to both France and England on their recent European tour. A new coach has been appointed to halt the demise - Rudolf Straueli. But Williams, whose resurgent, youthful Sevens side is the only recent rugby success story from the country, has warned that the problem goes even deeper. He added: "I'm very pleased with what we've achieved in Sevens, but I'm concerned about the state of the Super 12 sides, the national side and the sport in general in South Africa." None of the four South African sides in this season's Super 12 have impressed with three of them at the foot of the table.
But Williams insisted: "At least we can only improve." Part of the problem is the massive exodus of players such as Japie Mulder, Braam van Straaten and Johan Ackermann, who are all currently playing club rugby outside South Africa. Williams, though, is unclear about the reasons for their departure. "I don't know why they're moving away," he said. "I don't believe money is the problem because money can always be found by the South African sides. "Maybe they're not happy in their environment." | | See also:  Internet links: The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites Other top International stories: Links to more International stories are at the foot of the page. | ||||||||||||
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