Liam Toland: Residency rule should be six years, not three

'The self is seen as a reflexive project, for which the individual is responsible. We are, not what we are, but what we make of ourselves." When examining the sense of nationality one must examine modernity, self-identity and the perception of self. In 2012 I had the "pleasure" of writing for my masters a 30,000-word thesis on "Successful Ageing". In doing so, I examined these issues regarding adults as they age. This week the vice-chairman of World Rugby, Agustin Pichot, brought these issues of sporting nationalism back to me when stating "Somebody will kill me but we need to change it."

What does Pichot want changed? The three-year residency rule that qualifies rugby players to play for their adopted country. Other barriers exist, such as what level did the player represent previously.

World Rugby has chopped and changed its view on this thorny issue but, for me, three years is too convenient. That said, under the current rule, Ireland, like all other rugby nations, should continue to avail of wonderful athletes. So let’s examine the relationship between sport, globalisation and national identity.

Globalisation

World Rugby has been professional since 1995, ensuring the concept of globalisation has changed. Rugby was once a passport to see and experience the world. Modern professional rugby changes those motives.

In fact, modernity produces distinct social forms, of which the nation-state is most prominent, but money has a big influences on this. Self-identity depends as much on preparing for the future –international rugby and all the rewards – as it does on the examining the past.

However, thinking ahead (gaining those caps) is fundamental to self-actualisation where we fully realise our potential. A huge driver in this is finances. We already witness the global rugby world being influenced by money when players in Glasgow or Galway travel to seek their fortune, be that medals or money.

Clearly moneyed English and French clubs are now a monster draw on our “parishes”. Even rugby league has lost players due to the ever growing finances of rugby union.

The GAA, which remains stoutly amateur, has far less movement of players, with loyalty to the parish and county still to the fore. Yes, economic internal movement occurs but sport is the by-product, not the driver. Money would change this GAA culture. An irony does exist in Wales, where sport is a statement of denied nationhood.

The concept of identity is very difficult to explain because of the complexity of its meaning, where it often refers to where one belongs, what integrates them inside self or a group existence, such as the self-image or common-image, and what differentiates them from others.

One can, therefore, belong to the group, which is an image of self.

Rugby, then, clearly provides this platform of the common image, where national and cultural identity can be achieved by adopting elements of another culture. Conversely, ethnic identity is tied with a nation state and ethnicity, representing a pre-modern society which is resistant to change; not so rugby.

Think of the many refugees spilling over their borders in Syria to a new life. Many have come from the horror of conflict and in time could end up standing under a new anthem; the anthem of the country that welcomes them to a new life.

This throws self-identity into turmoil; “what is my anthem?” What makes us Irish or what qualifies our rugby athletes to sing our anthem? In fact, what is our national anthem? After all, there is no such place as Ireland. It doesn’t exist, just as equally as no specific anthem exists.

Many become become frustrated when Amhrán na bhFiann is not prioritised on match day. Of course, the same few forget that the team out on the pitch is not the Republic of Ireland, nor Northern Ireland, but simply Ireland.

Again, there is no such place and it is certainly not recognised by the UN and its defined 190-plus states.

So what does it mean to be Irish? Can one buy into this concept of national identity and cultural identity and hence become Irish? Absolutely.

However, I believe the barrier of entry to the national team should be six years.

Once upon a time the sporting tourist had to find “normal” employment while he waited. Now in a highly professional environment, the sporting immigrant will be well compensated while waiting the short time of three years for top honours.

Slow him down

Finally, as I've noted countless times during the Six Nations, stop Billy Vunipola, stop England. In tomorrow's case, stop Vunipola, stop Saracens. This, of course, is easier said than done but I do fancy Racing 92 have the personnel in their pack to at the very least slow him down. Rugby tends not to be a man-marking game but tomorrow the Saracens' number eight will be hunted like Jonah Lomu was in Ellis Park in 1995 World Cup final.

It’s a sad reflection but since the Irish sides’ demise I’ve drifted out to Agustin Creevy’s Jaguares of Argentina whom I can “identify” with much more readily than the moneyed boys in tomorrow’s Champion’s Cup final.

liamtoland@yahoo.com