Wallabies coach Dave Rennie and RA CEO Andy Marinos has reaffirmed their commitment to selecting Australian-based players.
This comes despite picking overseas trio Rory Arnold, Will Skelton and Tolu Latu in the Wallabies squad for the Spring Tour.
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In joining Japanese-based trio Quade Cooper, Sean McMahon and Samu Kerevi, it marks six players selected from outside of Australia - the exact same amount chosen from Super Rugby AU champions Reds.
In a statement, RA CEO Andy Marinos revealed the 'extenuating circumstances' of COVID has forced them to make the exemptions to the 'Giteau Law', which originally had allowed just two foreign-based players to be selected.
“Our primary focus is to ensure we continue to preference and reward our players playing locally, as this remains a key selection criterion. There has been a lot of discussion on the eligibility of overseas-based players, and we have had to be pragmatic and realistic in how we manage our wider squad this year. We may look to supplement the squad going forward in positions where there is a notable gap but within a capped environment, and not to the extent that we have had to adapt this year," Marinos said in a statement.
“The concessions made in this squad have considered the extenuating circumstances under which we have had to operate, including the mental and physical wellbeing of players. As an organisation, we will continue to refine the eligibility following the Tour however with a very clear view that the exceptions made this year were just that - exceptions.
“This squad selection also provides some developing players the opportunity to enjoy a full off-season, and more comprehensive pre-season, which is really key to their individual high performance plan. For some of our players, this has just been impossible in the last couple of years due to the COVID-impacted calendar.
“We are really looking forward to the Japan Test and then on to the matches in Europe – and with great confidence - but also with our eyes firmly on the 2022 Super Rugby Pacific season."
Throughout the Rugby Championship, Rennie has brought in players such as Quade Cooper and Samu Kerevi as they were unable to bring players in from NSW or Victoria.
Despite this, he reiterated his stance of preferring to pick Australian-based players whilst confirming they would examine a tweak in the law after the Spring Tour
"There's nothing based in concrete at this stage...the preference is still to pick from here, it's important we promote from within," he said on Friday.
"But I think some of these guys coming in, getting a taste of that environment and culture encourages them to come back and play here.
"We're trying to bring as many home as we can.
"...There has been exemptions based on COVID. Historically, there’s been a 60 cap rule. We talked about being able to bring a couple of guys in and that’s was our plan.
“Once COVID restrictions came in and we couldn’t get any players out of NSW or Victoria, we had a couple of players go home so we got an exemption to utilise some of those guys who were actually here in-between seasons.
"That's not necessarily the plan going forward and there will be discussions we have after the Spring Tour."
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Rennie could still be without the likes of Cooper, Kerevi and McMahon for the opening game of the Tour, awaiting clearance from their Japanese clubs if they wish to play against the national side on October 23.
“The key thing is we’re trying to create a strong connection with the Japanese clubs because from a Reg 9 perspective we can grab them, they’re the primary employer,” he added.
“Whilst the clubs have been very supportive, they have their own plans to focus on. They want to be successful and want their best players fit and available.
“It’s important that we establish a good relationship there.”
