BBC SPORT | Rugby Union | International | ARU hits back at league critics

Australia Rugby Union (ARU) chief John O'Neill has rejected criticism that players are moving abroad because of the influx of rugby league recruits.

But he insisted the ARU would not continue their recent policy of luring high-profile players from the 13-a-side code.

O'Neill admitted the union were concerned by the continuing exodus of Australian players to cash-rich clubs in England and France.

But he put the blame on the lack of a fourth Australian Super 12 team, the creation of which was rejected by New Zealand officials earlier this year.

Australia Rugby Union chief John O'Neill
O'Neill says there will be no more recruits from rugby league

Almost a dozen former internationals have left Australia over the past two years to play in Europe.

But whereas leading Wallabies such as Tim Horan, Jason Little and David Wilson were retiring from the Test stage, a lack of international recognition has persuaded others to follow suit.

New South Wales fly-half Manny Edmonds, who had an outstanding game for Australia A against France A recently, is heading to Perpignan, along with Waratahs team-mate Ed Carter.

NSW lock Tom Bowman, who also played for Australia A, announced this week he is pursuing a move overseas.

And Queensland prop Fletcher Dyson, another former Wallaby, has revealed he is negotiating with an Irish team.

Concerns over the drain of player prompted O'Neill to issue a statement on Saturday defending the union's own policies.

The ARU is unable to match the sums on offer in Europe for either players who cannot nail down a Super 12 starting spot or seasoned internationals currently out of favour.

"Any drain on rugby players relates to the cash on offer from European clubs and the absence of a fourth Australian Super 12 team," O'Neill said.

"These are the threats to our game. A fourth Super 12 team would offer enormous opportunities for our young players and others towards the end of their careers.

"Instead, right now it's a much easier decision to take up a healthy offer from a rich French or English club."

Matt Rogers trains with the Australia squad
Rogers has swiftly joined the Wallaby fold

Australia have recently drafted high-profile league recruits Wendell Sailor and Mat Rogers into their Test squad, where another convert, Andrew Walker, is also a regular.

The ARU is currently in negotiations about a possible switch for Brisbane Broncos star Lote Tuqiri, while former Kangaroo Nathan Blacklock recently signed with the Waratahs.

But O'Neill insists there is not a hit-list for more signings, rejecting speculation that Australian rugby league captain Andrew Johns could be the next target.

"Enough is enough," he added. "The ARU has absolutely no intention of pursuing a raft of high-profile league players," O'Neill said.

"We don't have room for them and we can't afford them.

"Lote Tuqiri is just one player, yet the debate about his negotiation has bordered on the ridiculous at times. He may or may not sign with rugby union."


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