Wallabies see writing on the wall, so they adapt to try and change it

Before looking forward to the inaugural Champions Cup final at Twickenham on Saturday, I feel compelled to examine the implications of an announcement last week that attracted minimal attention on this side of the world.

The Australian Rugby Union finally sought to address the issue of their player drain to Europe by opening up the possibility for overseas-based Wallabies to continue their international careers.

The parameters are clear and transparent. Give seven years service under contract to the ARU and accumulate 60 or more caps, and you will remain in the equation for selection. That decision will have big implications for the international game in Australia and perhaps, in time, New Zealand.