The Chiefs have reportedly held a secret training session involving some of Australia’s top underage stars.

In a move described as being ‘one of the most brazen trans-Tasman recruitment ploys in history’, Australia’s Daily Telegraph have reported that the Chiefs could be about to poach some of the Wallabies most talented up and coming youngsters.

The kiwi franchise took advantage of the fact they are in Australia to play the Reds this weekend, by holding a ‘secret training session’ involving up to two dozen of Australia’s most talented underage stars.

Although the article did not delve into specifics, the Telegraph claim that the trial, organised by the kiwi side and an Australian agent, featured ‘a host of talented stars between 17 to 21 years’, some of whom were flown in.

The Chiefs requested that any player involved had to be eligible to represent the All Blacks in the future, something that seemed to resonate with one of the trialists.

I just want to get the best opportunity in rugby, whether that is here or in New Zealand. Obviously I have roots in New Zealand and every Kiwi dreams of playing for the All Blacks.

Although such news will no doubt anger fans of the Wallabies, surprisingly Michael Cheika took a more pragmatic view, describing the trial as being a ‘smart move by the Chiefs’ in an interview with the New Zealand Herald.

For us, we need to have had contact with a lot of those players, and they need to have been in our system – where they want to stay. You can’t have it both ways, you can’t have these guys when it suits you, but then not want them to be taken away either. Recruitment across professional sport is probably the number one priority. It’s a smart move by the Chiefs.

However, given the fact that Australia have lost a number of high profile players to European clubs in recent seasons, the ARU will be concerned if other kiwi franchises stage similar trials in the future.

Alan Drumm, Pundit Arena

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