A delicate issue for Welsh Fans

Announced on this link http://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/Hanno-Dirksen-pledges-international-allegiance/story-13170029-detail/story.html its revealed south african born american hanno dirksen wishes to represent Wales at internationall level after qualifying for his three year residential rule. Andrieus Pretorious at the Blues and Ben Morgan at Scarlets are in similar situations. Do welsh fan care about this? Personally i have no problem with those born overseas but have supported wales there whole adult life e.g. Faletau, North, Lydiate, JD2 and even those with welsh parentage (Rhys Thomas, Ian Evans) because although they were esentially based overseas its clear they were brought up supporting wales. But those qualifying on resedential rules im not so sure about, your thoughts?.

http://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/Hanno-Dirksen-pledges-international-allegiance/story-13170029-detail/story.html

Well given that everyone else does it then why not.

In an ideal world it wouldn't happen but I don't think we would turn away players that add to the depth.

Faletau has lived in Wales since he was 7 and the rest mentioned are all of Welsh parentage so obviously no issues there.

I can't see a problem with it, if they play here and want to represent Wales then that's great, after all they only get one choice of country to play for these days, we should be grateful.

Dont really mind, just cant see Dirksen being picked ahead of other players right now, or in the near future

As long as it's done within the rules, fair enough.

You have to look at it on a case by case basis to be honest.

Dirksen has played for the USA I think already but isn't tied in, but in reality were taking a player off South Africa or USA, and in my mind were taking a player off the USA in this instance and they need all the quality young kids they can get to be honest.

I personally don't like it

I would be a bit more comfortable with their inclusion if the residency rule was extended to at least five years.

I dont like the residency rule Cymro and I think it makes a mockery of international rugby

not sure and in all honesty is he good enough to get ahead of North, Halfpenny, Brew, stoddart, Prydie, Phillips etc?

12 months ago he was the stand out back in the premiership. He has had injuries last year so he stalled when he is on form he will be a real handful.

Although he is another who is more of a powerful direct runner than a play maker which wales are really short of

Dirksen just scored a try 2mins into the match "Ospreys v Russia" maybe one for the future?

welshy824 wrote:not sure and in all honesty is he good enough to get ahead of North, Halfpenny, Brew, stoddart, Prydie, Phillips etc?

He was probably the best Ospreys player today against Russia so it looks as though he could have a future, give it to the start of next season when Shane retires, Nikki Walker gets released and Bowe possibly goes back to Ireland and you will probably see his qualities.

To me, if it is within the rules, then it is with the rules. These guys should be OK.

If the rules change in the future, then future players will have to meet heightened criteria. Whether we like it or not, coaches, wheter Gatland or anyone else, will take the best players eligable. Its their job. No fanciful wumming charges of 'recruiting foreign mercs'.

All countries have done it when it suited them, there is simply no moral high ground there to be claimed - not sure that Dirksen is good enough, but if he qualifies and Wales want him, then fair play. In the meantime, let's tighten the residency rules to everyone's benefit?

he had a great game v russia today