Rugby Aust change overseas player policy

Rugby Australia has changed its overseas selection policy for national teams which could see some stars miss out on next year's Rugby World Cup.

While they have wound back the minimum number of Test caps to 30 and years' service to five, they have also restricted the amount of overseas-based players to just three.

Wallabies coach Dave Rennie will also be able to select an eligible player that currently plays overseas but has contractually committed to playing for an Australian-based franchise for the following year.

Previously, the "Giteau Law", named so after it paved the way for France-based Matt Giteau to play in the 2015 Rugby World Cup, required 60 Tests and seven years' service to Australian rugby for a player to be eligible for the Wallabies while based outside Australia.

In the last two years, Rennie was given several "exemptions" due to COVID-19 with selections swelling on last year's Spring tour.

Rugby Australia boss Andy Marinos said the amendments, which also apply to the Wallaroos and Sevens teams, would help Australia compete internationally while maintaining the strength of the local league.

"The updated policy follows extensive consideration and consultation, to ensure we could find the right balance between the importance of selecting players within our domestic competition structures.

"It also allows the selection of overseas players as an exception, rather than a rule and only if that player has made a significant contribution to the game in Australia," Marinos said in a statement.

"Rugby is a global sport and we recognise the challenging environment we operate within where we realise we cannot keep all players on our shores.

"This policy shows we will continue to prioritise the players that are