Sale chief Jones praises Blues policy

Apr 26 2008 by Simon Thomas, South Wales Echo

FORMER Wales skipper Kingsley Jones has taken his hat off to the Blues’ overseas recruitment policy.

The Sale coach believes the likes of New Zealanders Xavier Rush, Paul Tito and Ben Blair have been great additions to the Arms Park squad.

“You have to select foreign players carefully,” said Jones. “I think the way the Blues have chosen their guys has been excellent. I really respect their recruitment.

“Also, of course, Marty Holah has been a fantastic signing for the Ospreys.

“These are the guys that you need to be looking for, guys that just missed out back home – 28-year-olds that might not feel they are getting the opportunity they could have.

“I believe that is the way to go.”

Jones feels it’s often easier for New Zealanders to settle in Wales than in England and he questions how some Kiwis have adapted to life in the Guinness Premiership.

“If you look at some of the All Black signings this season in the Premiership, I don’t think they’ve all been sunshine and roses,” said the former Pontypridd, Ebbw Vale and Gloucester flanker.

“I won’t mention any names, but I don’t think they’ve set the world on fire.

“They take a while to settle down. I think a lot of Kiwis settle in Wales better than England. We are very similar in our culture and our passion for our rugby.

“Certainly there a lot of elements of risks in going after these guys.

“We see these players playing alongside 14 of the best rugby players in the world and we fantasise how great they are and, of course, they are great.

“But they don’t come over here and step into the team and change things overnight.

“It’s a very difficult move for them and it can be a risky signing if you are going to go out on a limb and spend a lot of money.”

However, Jones is more than happy with Sale’s own All Black recruit Luke McAlister, who he feels has found it easier to settle than some because of his background.

“Luke grew up in Manchester. Not everybody knows that,” he said. “His father played rugby league for Oldham. Luke lived here from the age of four to 12 and that’s a big part of your life.

“That was the carrot we dangled to get him over to the UK.”

Worcester coach Mike Ruddock is also pleased with the New Zealand stars he has brought on board at Sixways.

“We’ve imported three or four guys from overseas into our team that have made a big difference – people like Sam Tuitupou, Rico Gear and Greg Rawlinson,” said the former Wales boss.

Ruddock would love to add in-demand All Blacks superstar Dan Carter to his overseas contingent – if the cash was available.

“We have pretty much got our squad in place for next year, but there is always room for one extra star player,” he said.

“We always try to keep a little slot back for someone that might become available, so the likes of Dan Carter, Nick Evans would be the sort of players we would consider speaking to if we could.

“So potentially there could be a spot available. You never know. If Mr Carter was interested, I’d have to have a chat to my chairman Cecil Duckworth to see if we could afford him.

“We’d certainly be interested in finding out if he was available at some stage in the future.”

simon.thomas@mediawales.co.uk