NEW ZEALAND (CU)_Tawera Kerr-Barlow is no stranger in the world of Rugby. The 32-year-old, of Melbourne origin moved to Hamilton and earned himself a name with the Chiefs in New Zealand. He went on to make 29 appearances for the All Blacks from the years 2012-2017 and was part of the World Cup winning squad in the year 2015.
The world’s Rugby eligibility laws have eased to facilitate players who wish to make an international switch after 36 months of inactivity. In order to switch, the players must be born in the country they wish to transfer to or have a parent or grandparent born in the nation.
“I am available to play for the Wallabies! I was born there. I have a lot of ties in this country and if the coaching staff calls me, I will go without hesitation,” mentioned Kerr-Barlow when questioned about his keenness on making the international switch. He would also be the first Rugby player to switch between two, tier-one nations.
All Blacks coach Ian Foster is a bit troubled with Kerr-Barlow’s decision and claims that it doesn’t feel right. He expressed his concern in an interview by saying, “All I know is the beauty that he brought into the All Blacks camp, he is a quality person and quality rugby player, so there is no judgment on that decision. But what I remember from him is the influence he had in our environment, which is fantastic. To kind of think of that going somewhere else is a bit funny.”
At the same time Same Whitelock, senior in the All blacks was nonplussed, saying that it would be no different than a player switching teams after a couple of years of not being available in the team.
Kerr-Barlow’s plea for consideration comes ahead of the next World Cup in France stirring excitement amongst fans who are nervously anticipating this international switch in teams.
