Rugby Australia accuses French clubs of poaching young players

Rugby Australia has formally accused wealthy French rugby clubs of poaching its teenage talent, notably after 16-year-old Visesio Kite and 17-year-old Heinz Lemoto were targeted and, in Kite’s case, signed by Top 14 club La Rochelle. Rugby Australia Chairman Daniel Herbert criticized the practice, asserting that France should cultivate its own players rather than recruiting young Australians, and emphasized that French clubs—not the French Rugby Federation—were working directly with agents to sign these players. The Australian governing body has lodged a complaint with World Rugby and called for stricter enforcement and clarification of existing youth transfer regulations, which already prohibit unauthorized approaches to underage players. Herbert highlighted that several other rugby unions share similar concerns and are urging World Rugby to tighten rules around the issue. The controversy also involved disputes over international clearance, with Kite’s father alleging obstruction by Rugby Australia, which the organization denied, stating their actions were in line with seeking ethical and legal guidance. The issue has sparked broader discussions about the global transfer market for young rugby talent and the need for unified regulations.