That list includes at least 21 Australian players under 23 years of age playing in France.
RA’s support starts with a formal system led by former Fiji coach Simon Raiwalui and former Wallaby Chris Whittaker.
“The first thing that’s really important in this decision was it was a system-wide decision, so we made it together and that’s RA at the very top, with Peter [Horne] and Phil [Waugh], right down through our Super Rugby clubs,” Whitaker said.
The Australian Under-18s in action against New Zealand Schools on Monday in Canberra.Credit: Rugby Australia
“So we actually sat in a room up here over a month ago and worked through it. And it was unanimous that everyone felt that. We can’t sit back and just say, these players are going to, say, France or Japan, and we just say, see you later.
“We’ve got even more work being done now that provides a formal support program for young players who go to France and Japan through our connections and people over there.
“Players know that if they do need to reach out, say in France as an example, we’ve got people both here and on the ground over there that can work with you.”
In Canberra, the Australian Under 18 team showcased some of the best talent available, including opening try-scorer, tight-head prop Levi Slater and the equally impressive loose-head prop Kingsley Uys. Second-rower Isaac Fonua played in the victory last year against New Zealand in Hamilton and his strong carries were rewarded with a try in Canberra.
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All of these players are part of a broader strategy to ensure that Australian rugby has enough talented young front and second-rowers staying in the country to develop.
Before the Wallabies Test against Argentina in Sydney, $420,000 was raised by the Australian Rugby Foundation for what has been nominally called the tight-five retention fund.
The Australian Under-18 team will return to play New Zealand Schools on Saturday at Viking Park in Canberra.
