Harlequins and their All Blacks deal

[fleabane]

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/harl ... b23114ade9

Reciprocal agreement for young player and coaches exchange sounds good for both sides.

Wish it were Tigers.

[RagingBull]

Not sure on this will watch with interest, but not that fussed it isn’t Tigers.
The only coach in NZ clubs currently I would want is Plumtree and no way he is moving now he got the head coach role at canes next season.
Earle went to NZ and it didn’t seem to make him dramatically better.

[ourla]

Given their form in recent seasons I am not sure sending Quins players and coaches to NZ and vice versa is going to be of any benefit to the All Blacks other than perhaps slowing a "brain drain". Quins seem to be in a mess right now.

[WhitecapTiger]

Earle went to NZ and it didn’t seem to make him dramatically better.

Oh I don't know, I was quite impressed with Earle in our match at the weekend.....

[TigerCam]

Earle went to NZ and it didn’t seem to make him dramatically better.

Oh I don't know, I was quite impressed with Earle in our match at the weekend.....

Yes he had a 'mare' but I have also seen him play very well. He is young etc

[Coops]

The deal will lead to the Twickenham Stoop becoming a breeding ground for the next generation of All Blacks and female New Zealand players as part of an exchange programme. Harlequins will send “pathway” players in the opposite direction and the deal also includes placements for coaches to spend time in New Zealand.

This reads - NZ will send over their players to get heaps of experience in the Northern Hemisphere whilst Quins agree to send back some lower grade academy players.

[MurphysLaw]

This sounds like it might be a mutually advantageous arrangement for the parties involved.
It will be interesting to hear what both PRL and the RFU have to say about it.

[ourla]

This sounds like it might be a mutually advantageous arrangement for the parties involved.
It will be interesting to hear what both PRL and the RFU have to say about it.

They are happy with it apparently.

[Tiglon]

It's not about making NZ players better - it's about having an agreement whereby NZRU can try to still have some control over their players when they inevitably move to Europe. I would expect a few more agreements with other clubs, as Quins will surely only be able to take 1 or 2 All Blacks.

I wouldn't expect this type of agreement with Tigers, as the city itself is never going to be high on the list of any kiwis looking for a sabbatical. Not when London and Paris are options.