brenno wrote:I know the qualification rules are pretty arcane, but can anybody out there explain to me in eejit-proof language how Montpellier can have 9 SA players in their 23 for the Edinburgh game tonight and we have to choose 2 from our overseas trio JGP-Fardy-Lowe
South African players are counted as "European" by virtue of having an association agreement (eg. Free Trade Agreements) with the EU - you cannot restrict the employment options of a "European"
Therefore only nationalities that do not have an association with the EU (Australia, New Zealand for example) can be restricted by saying "Only 2 non-Europeans in a match day 23"
South Africans, and other nationalities that are allowed to play, are known as Kolpaks. It was a man by the name of Kolpak, from Slovakia, that challenged this restriction with the argument that he is allowed to live and work in the EU with their nation's association agreement and restricting him infringes his human rights and is against EU law.
All the countries in the various shades of blue have no restriction in a European rugby team (or any sports team) by virtue of their nationality. Japan will likely join this soon too.
Edit:
That map is out-dated, here is one that is more up to date:
link - the nations in blue & dark green