Foreign stars could be playing in Australian Super 14 teams from next year

England's Rugby World Cup winning flyhalf Jonny Wilkinson - could he be playing for an Australian Super 14 team next year ?

Australian Rugby Union directorswill be asked next month to endorse a new foreign player policy that could have overseas stars representing domestic Super 14 teams as early as next season.

The ARU Board has agreed in principle to relax the current stance that prohibits any players ineligible for Wallabies selection from playing with an Australian province.

At its most recent meeting, the Board resolved to “accept the recommendations from Management to allow the introduction of foreign players into Super Rugby competition commencing season 2009, subject to the finalisation of a detailed policy in consultation with the Super 14 Member Unions, RUPA and the national coach”.

Discussions involving the relevant bodies are in progress and a final submission will be presented to the Board for approval on 5 September.

“It was agreed the time is right to make this change,” said ARU Chairman Peter McGrath.

“We are moving towards transformation at Super Rugby level and allowing foreign players to be involved with our teams – not for the first time – is part of that evolutionary process.

“When the game first went professional and Super 12 was launched, there was an opportunity for Australian teams to recruit overseas players.

“It proved an immensely successful venture in some instances. Patricio Noriega went on to play for the Wallabies after being signed to the Brumbies from Argentina where he was established as a world-class prop.

“Tiaan Strauss captained the Springboks before heading to Australia to play rugby league and then Super 12 with the Waratahs. Tiaan also went on to play for the Wallabies in the backrow.

“Those cases cannot be replicated in this era. Players now are only allowed to represent one country.

“The re-introduction of foreign players, however, will have advantages for our teams, for our fans, and for overseas marquee or emerging players wanting to experience the best provincial competition in the world.

“It will of course be tightly controlled and managed. That is why we are still waiting on final details from Management before endorsing the change.”

The proposal will include the number of foreign players a province is permitted to recruit.

A number of other associated issues also need to be worked through with the Super 14 provinces and RUPA.