Rugby Australia eases rules on overseas player selection

Rugby Australia has signalled that more overseas-based players will be allowed to represent the Wallabies, shifting away from a strict policy that has heavily favoured domestic players.

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The so-called “Giteau Law” — named after former fly-half Matt Giteau — has for years put restrictions on overseas-based players being selected for the Wallabies.

But with Test stars such as lock Will Skelton, flanker Tom Hooper and prop Taniela Tupou all joining an exodus to Europe, Rugby Australia has indicated the Giteau Law has been dropped.

That gives head coach Joe Schmidt a free selection hand when he names his squad for the Rugby Championship this week.

“Joe's got no impediment to select whoever he wants,” Rugby Australia head of high performance Peter Horne said.