The Australian Rugby Union is "confident its new policy allowing select players to take overseas sabbaticals will help retain talent in the long term," but it is also concerned it could cause some to "burn out as they pursue back-to-back seasons without enough rest in between," according to Rupert Guinness of the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD. ARU CEO Bill Pulver said that he realizes player fatigue is "a risk of granting select players flexible contracts so long as they commit to Australian rugby on long-term deals." Asked if he is worried about player burnout, Pulver said, "I am. We are walking a very fine line trying to determine the right policy for the future of the game." The new ARU policy allows select players from next year on "to play one season in a foreign competition during a long term-contract." But Pulver "would not rule out allowing a player two seasons away if they signed with the ARU long enough" (SMH, 4/1). In Sydney, Iain Payten reported Pulver said he would "prefer players weren't playing back-to-back summers and hoping to alleviate the potential for burnout." He added the ARU would prefer its flexible contractees "went to the less-demanding Japanese competition, and not France." Pulver: "We think the nature of that competition is probably better for player welfare perspective, and the timing and timezone issue is better." Pulver said he was mindful of the strain he had "also put on Australian rugby stars in recent seasons, with a hectic schedule of Wallabies Tests designed to make money in tough financial times." He said, "I am also conscious of the fact dealing with Australian rugby's financial challenges led me to putting more pressure on the players as well. Now, Wallabies played more Test matches in the last two years than any other country" (DAILY TELEGRAPH, 4/1).
