Foreign players pose problem | Sunday Observer

Foreign players pose problem

25 June, 2023

The chief executive of the Premier 15s says she will be introducing tougher penalties for sides who break rules on fielding foreign players next season.

Clubs currently face soft penalties, such as a reduction in funding, for persistently selecting more than two foreign players in a matchday squad.

But Belinda Moore says top-flight clubs could be docked points for similar offences in 2023-24.

“Next year we will start to enforce penalties,” Moore told BBC Sport.

Moore says the stance is to ensure there is a continued pathway for the players eligible to represent England to step up to the international level.

England won the Grand Slam in the Six Nations earlier this year and narrowly lost the 2022 World Cup final against New Zealand.

“We will have a [minimum] number on England qualified players (EQP),” said Moore.

“It will actually be down from this year because we are trying to make it manageable for clubs.

“The reason for setting up this league in the first place was to grow the pathway for England talent to come through.

“You can see from the recent success for the Red Roses that is starting to pay dividends. (BBC sports)

Comments