Rugby Test glory beats cash Aussie coach warns

0 Comments | AFP, May, 2009

SYDNEY (AFP) — Wallabies coach Robbie Deans warned players mulling lucrative overseas offers that they would face lifelong regrets if they put money ahead of their Test careers.

Deans told Digby Ioane and Hugh McMeniman, who have reportedly received offers to pay club rugby in Japan, that they should think carefully before walking away from the national team.

Deans said rising stars Ioane, 23, and McMeniman, 25, both had the potential for long careers with the Wallabies.

"They're just getting started so I think they would rue the day they left if they did leave," he said. "There is so much in front of them right now in terms of opportunity and you only get one crack."

The Australian Rugby Union has a policy of not selecting players from outside the country's...