Neil Back

Neil Back

Backy: Top time for Top 14

Fri Aug 14 01:26PM

The Top 14 kicks off this weekend and like all fans I'm keen to see how the new English signings get on in France.

I think there are definite benefits to be had playing in a different environment, and so long as they have the relevant release clauses in their contracts I cannot see it harming their international chances- after all, it's quicker to get from Paris to Twickenham than it is from many Premiership clubs.

It's fair to say that there is a little more flair in the French game than the Premiership and this could help the English backs who have gone over, while the forwards also do things differently in the Top 14.

There tends to be more off-loading and passing amongst the forwards at French clubs - in the same way Matt Stevens used to play at Bath - and I think this will add to the players' skills set.

Jonny Wilkinson is an isolated case of a player who I think will really benefit from his stint in France. I've heard he's had a good pre-season and is in great shape to develop his running game and take on new ideas.

For my money, Jonny was at Newcastle for too long, and the switch to France could do him a world of good.

There are also benefits to be had from a change in environment and lifestyle.

I've spent a fair amount of time in France on pre-season trips and playing for England and Leicester, and there is definitely a different mentality to training in sunshine and a warmer climate.

It will also be interesting to see whether the new influx of Brits has any affect on the France national team.

I know in England the authorities are trying to limit the number of foreigners you can have in a team, but in France this is not the case.

Nor is there a salary cap, which allows Top 14 teams to attract top players with top wages and build larger squads.

However, this in itself can lead to problems. As we have seen with football clubs, it is no easy task keeping leading players happy when they are not playing week in week out.

Stade Francais, for example, have a squad of 38 players, most of them internationals, but that has not guaranteed them trophies over the years.

It's a nice problem to have, but I'm not sure it leads to success.

Managing guys who are not getting out on the field can be an energy-sapping process and can distract from coaching matters.

That said, I can see Top 14 teams doing really well this season and the influx of les Rosbifs could be good for the league as well as the England team.  

  • Comments1 - 2 of 2

  1. Backy, i know that not all French clubs have squads the size of Stade Francais, but it will be interesting to see if any of the lesser Rosbifs even get picked to play! The lack of salary cap in French rugby is sure to become a bigger issue for GPL clubs, many of whom are under financial pressure. The super 14 is highly competitive, and quality is improving each year. Bring it on...

    honeyshane69From honeyshane69 on Thu Aug 20 09:05AM

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  2. "I know in England the authorities are trying to limit the number of foreigners you can have in a team, but in France this is not the case."

    Not really, France wanted to do it before England and before the big moving of British players, but they already know it's almost impossible because of one European law concerning free movement of persons.
    So France chose another path. They take into account an interesting idea, for each club of the Top 14 and Pro D2, a quota of players trained in their own youth academy.
    According of what i heard and of the FFR's website, this quota should be around 60% at the season 2010/2011 or 2011/2012.

    freedmurfFrom freedmurf on Fri Aug 28 12:30AM

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