Former Wales international Gavin Henson has hit out at Wales’ latest squad selection for including Willis Halaholo and Johnny McNicholl, both of whom qualify through residency rules.
The 37-year-old took to Twitter to make his views on head coach Wayne Pivac’s first squad announcement stating that it is “so wrong” to have the duo involved.
Pivac’s calls have caused a little stir among fans, however, Henson’s comments seem to have got more of a backlash with fans pointing out that some of his former teammates were not originally from Wales such as Sonny Parker, who like the latest duo was from New Zealand.
Henson confirmed that he told them what he thought at the time, but his comments only caused further confusion as people questioned whether players such as George North and Jonathan Davies should be allowed to play as they were born in England but have a Welsh relative.
Henson replied to fans saying that he has no problem with such players as they have spent time growing up in Wales.
“Parent or grandparent is totally fine. Residency should only count if they’ve spent a certain amount of time in that country in their childhood,” he said online.
Henson’s comments have certainly caused controversy on social media, but his views are shared by many, who feel that certain players are being lost through the home-grown system due to players that become eligible through residency rules.
Earlier this year there was backlash to the Ireland Rugby World Cup squad when Jean Kleyn was picked ahead of stalwart Devin Toner and it seems as though not everyone agrees with the chance being given to such players.
Although some may become more pleased with the rule in the next couple of years as World Rugby has announced that players will only be eligible through residency rules after five years in the country, up from the current three years. The new regulations come into place come the end of 2020.
However, for now Henson will have to continue to complain as these players get ready to take on the Barbarians in a couple of weeks time.
