Aussies open door to super foreigners.

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AUSTRALIAN teams in Super 14 will be able to sign two players from overseas after the Australian Rugby Union lifted its ban on foreigners.Provinces will be allowed to sign one marquee foreigner - who will never be available to play for the Wallabies - and a developing player yet to represent his country at Test, Sevens or A-team level.The developing player will be allowed to play for the Wallabies after three years of consecutive residency as per IRB regulations.Teams looking to recruit top foreign stars will need to apply to the ARU and the length of a marquee foreigner's contract will beA a maximum of two years.ARU chairman Peter McGrath insists the new policy will strengthen the Super 14 competition both on and off the field, as they look to halt a drop in attendances."There is no doubt the injection of world-class foreign players will create added interest in the Super Rugby competition," said McGrath. "We're also confident overseas players will be excited about the potential opportunities."It will not stop foreign Test players continuing their international careers outside Australia.

"The idea that marquee players might want to come to Australia is something we should allow our Provincial teams to explore," added McGrath. "French fly-half Frederic Michalak played with the Sharks in South Africa this year."

THE OSPREYS have boosted their squad for the Magners League season by signing New Zealand A scrum-half Jamie Nutbrown on a two-year deal from Waikato Chiefs.The 27-year-old had a year left on his contract with the New Zealand Rugby Union but the Welsh region successfully negotiated an early release."As a person and a player, he has an excellent work ethic and sets very high standards on and off the pitch," said Elite Performance Director Andrew Hore.

"The esteem in which Jamie is held in his home country is clear as the NZRU were so keen to keep hold of him."

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