Wallabies coach Dave Rennie has rejected calls to open up selection to all overseas-based players, as he finalises the squad for the impending France series.
This comes after former Wallaby Drew Mitchell called for 'Giteau's Law' to be relaxed in order to allow the coaching staff to pick the best possible squad from around the world.
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However, Rennie has made it clear he wants the best players either playing in Australia or committing to returning.
He concedes following the same path as South Africa or Argentina could cause an exodus, which would be detrimental to the sport and Super Rugby clubs.
“There’s still a big emphasis on picking guys here and encouraging them to stay if they want to be a Wallaby and play Super Rugby,” he said on Thursday.
“It’s really important to have our best players playing with our good young players coming through, it’s going to improve the quality of the clubs and the competition.
“If we pick wholesale like South Africa and Argentina do from Europe and Japan, players will go in their droves because they’ll get three times the money.
“We’re trying to do what we think is best for the game here.”
Rennie confirmed players who have already signed deals to head overseas will be available to be selected.
This includes Reds hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa, with the Wallabies coach hinting he looms as a key piece for the future.
“He’s definitely an option and he’s someone signed with a current Super Rugby contract,” he said on Paenga-Amosa.
“They can’t leave until after the International season is over. It’ll be based on if we see them having a future with us. Brandon’s definitely an option to stay.”
As well as this, players such as Izack Rodda and Matt Philip will be in contention for selection as they finish up their campaign in Europe.
“Anyone who is signed for 2022 is available so guys like Matt Philip, who's been in France for the off-season and came back long-term, and Izack’s (Rodda) in the same boat so they are available,” he added.
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