Australia change selection rules for overseas-based players

Matt Giteau, Drew Mitchell and George Smith could represent Australia at the upcoming World Cup following a ground-breaking announcement from the Australian Rugby Union.
The new policy will allow overseas-based players to be picked for the Wallabies as long as they have played at least 60 Tests for the Wallabies and played their club rugby in Australian Super Rugby sides for at least seven years before moving abroad.
The move would allow Brumbies legends Giteau (92 caps) and Smith (111 caps), who now for Toulon and Lyon in France, and for Waratah Mitchell (63 caps) to make a timely return to Test rugby ahead of the World Cup in September.
Wallabies coach Michael Cheika welcomed the move but said it was also important to recognise the players who are currently playing in Australia.
“At the same time, (we should) not discount those elite-level and experienced test players who have already invested so much into the code over a long period,” he said.
“From speaking with many of them, I know they still have a huge desire to represent Australia, and would do so to the very best of their abilities if ever called upon once again.
“In the end, we want the best players being rewarded for playing the majority of their career in Australia, and this is an important step to the future growth and success of the Wallabies.”