ARU welcomes first marquee player
All Blacks flanker Daniel Braid – the first overseas international signed by an Australian Super Rugby team under the new Foreign Player Policy – will prove an invaluable asset to Queensland next year, according to ARU High Performance General Manager David Nucifora.
Braid has been recruited by the QR Reds for next season’s Investec Super 14 following the sudden retirement of long-serving former Qantas Wallabies flanker David Croft.
A Test backrower who played against Australia in the Sydney Bledisloe Cup Test this year, Braid’s signing by Queensland was only made possible by the relaxation of the ARU’s Foreign Player Policy early last month.
“This case highlights just how important the decision was to allow the states to contract overseas players,” said Nucifora.
“The quality of Daniel as a player and a person will be invaluable to the Reds, who needed to fix a problem in terms of depth and experience at openside flanker.
“In terms of development, this will be extremely positive for the Reds.
“Daniel is a world-class player who can help bring through the younger talent emerging in the backrow at Queensland.
“He was the New Zealand Super 14 Player of the Year in 2007 and has consistently been the back-up No.7 to Richie McCaw with the All Blacks.
“What he will bring to the table for Queensland next year will be to the benefit of the Reds, their players and Australian Rugby in general.”
The ARU Board accepted on 5 September a management recommendation to lift the ban that previously prevented teams from contracting any player ineligible for Qantas Wallabies selection.
There were, however, conditions attached to the relaxation of the Foreign Player Policy.
Each of the four Australian provinces is permitted to sign only one “marquee” foreigner – an international who can never qualify for Australian selection because he has already represented another country at Test, A-team or Sevens level.
The provinces are also able to contract a second “developing” foreign player who has yet to represent another country and could qualify for the Qantas Wallabies after three years of consecutive residency.
“It is an exciting time for Australian Rugby,” said Nucifora.
“In creating opportunities for foreign players, we want to entice people who will ensure the game benefits from their presence.
“I am sure that will be the case with Daniel. He has the experience, the background and the talent to make a great contribution.
“That is the sort of player we want to entice.”
