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Overseas lure waning

Barnes: Overseas lure waning

12/05/2011 11:45:23 PM

Leading Wallabies Berrick Barnes and Lachie Turner believe the player drain overseas has dried up to a trickle due to the exciting challenges being presented following the World Cup.

The Australian Rugby Union's retention of crowd-pleasing winger Digby Ioane this week takes to 21 the number of players re-signed in 2011.

That reverses the trend of players leaving in droves after a World Cup year, with only reserve half-back Luke Burgess (Toulouse) and out-of-favour utility back Matt Giteau (Toulon) heading abroad in recent times.

The inclusion of Argentina in next year's southern hemisphere Rugby Championship and the British Lions tour to Australia - along with the falling value of the overseas dollars - has stemmed the tide.

Turner and Barnes are among those 21 players to commit to the Wallabies long term.

"Robbie (Deans) has brought in a lot of young blood so we've got guys looking to continue on for the next four years rather than in the past, after a World Cup, having a lot of guys finishing up," Turner said upon returning from the Wallabies' successful two-match UK tour on Tuesday.

"You've also got the likes of Argentina coming here next year for the Four Nations (Rugby Championships) and also the Lions tour the year after that."

"There's a lot to play for in Australian rugby right now and a lot guys want to be part of it."

"There are a lot of younger guys who have unfinished business and want to succeed in rugby union and also I don't think there is the same money overseas."

Barnes added: "The lure (of overseas) is still there but it might not be as strong as it was a few years back and that's a massive positive for Australian rugby."

"When you look at it there is no difference between playing here and playing in Europe in terms of the amount of games you are going to play."

The Wallabies signed off for the year with impressive wins over the Barbarians and Wales.

Turner returned with a thumb injury but is confident of being fit for the start of the Super Rugby season with NSW.

 
Photograph Copyright : Getty Images

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