Read on Twitter
The major limitation of the 60 cap rule:
Few of us spend our entire lives surrounded by the same people, the same voices and living in the same town or village that we were born into. Many of us move away for education or for work at an early age and, in so doing, this 1/
Few of us spend our entire lives surrounded by the same people, the same voices and living in the same town or village that we were born into. Many of us move away for education or for work at an early age and, in so doing, this 1/
vastly improves our life experiences, allows us to hear new voices and allows both positive and negative osmosis from our new friends and colleagues. Many then return to near where they grew up, to return to their family but as slightly (or vastly) different people. 2/
This is roundly seen as a benefit to the individual - to escape the set surroundings of childhood, to challenge yourself in new environments and to move on in life.
For many, the 60 cap rule prevents this.
Those lucky enough to study outside of Wales can still 3/
For many, the 60 cap rule prevents this.
Those lucky enough to study outside of Wales can still 3/
open their eyes to the world outside of their 5 square miles but way too often I read "proud to play 100 games for his home region". This makes me wonder if he'd have been a better player for moving away and experiencing something new, or at least something different 4/
Of course, not every move comes with only positive experiences. Some players think they can move to the South of France and take their TV with them from Wales in order to watch Eastenders. However, at least the thought process and decision to move is a positive 5/
If players don't move around, how will they improve? For many that will require an attitude to learn that is entirely self driven and that's a very difficult task. Just think how many folk "vote Tory" etc. because "their parents were Tories" etc. etc. 6/
Southern Hemisphere rugby has labelled a season or two "abroad" as a sabbatical. The Irish have a long history of leaving home to explore the world and to open up horizons. What do we in Wales do? Celebrate "100 games for his home region" rather than encourage 7/
opening the player's mind to the big world out there.
As ever, some need to move, some don't. This isn't a one size Fitz Hall solution but the 60 cap rule is just that - one size fits all. It's not healthy for the long term to have it as such a blanket ban as many need to 8/
As ever, some need to move, some don't. This isn't a one size Fitz Hall solution but the 60 cap rule is just that - one size fits all. It's not healthy for the long term to have it as such a blanket ban as many need to 8/
get out Wales, get out of their village, move away from their sycophantic and biased support network early in their career.
Welsh rugby needs to open up on this discussion. Capping players at a young age traps them in many ways and that trap is not healthy
Welsh rugby needs to open up on this discussion. Capping players at a young age traps them in many ways and that trap is not healthy
