The Australian Rugby Union today announced changes to its Player Contracting Policy by allowing an elite group of overseas-based players to be eligible for Wallabies selection.

Effective immediately, overseas-based players will now be eligible for Wallabies selection if they have played more than 60 Tests for Australia and have held a professional contract with Australian Rugby for at least seven years.

Players returning to Australia from overseas who make a two-year commitment to an Australian Super Rugby Club will also be eligible to represent the Wallabies immediately upon their return.

The announcement opens the door for George Smith (111 caps), Matt Giteau (92 caps) and Drew Mitchell (61 caps) to all play a part in the Wallabies Rugby World Cup campaign later this year.

Following his departure after the RWC Adam Ashley Cooper (104 caps) will remain eligible for the Wallabies, as will James Horwill (58 caps), Sekope Kepu (52 caps), Will Genia (58 caps), Quade Cooper (53 caps) and Wycliff Palu (54 caps) if they reach 60 caps before heading overseas.

“It’s a decision that recognises the changing dynamics of a global Rugby market for professional players. Combined with our other recruitment and retention strategies, we feel this decision allows the ARU to assert more influence over player movement and contracting in Australia and abroad,” ARU CEO Bill Pulver said.

“It also means we can invest more money into our younger players in the long-term, while ensuring our most experienced players leaving for overseas can still contribute to the overall success of the code in Australia – on and off the field,” he added.

The announcement is a huge boost for Michael Cheika’s Wallabies ahead of this years  Rugby World Cup, with the coach confirming that he had been in contact with a number of overseas players.

“From speaking with many of them, I know they still have a huge desire to represent Australia, and would do so to the very best of their abilities if ever called upon once again,” Cheika said.

“In the end, we want the best players being rewarded for playing the majority of their career in Australia, and this is an important step to the future growth and success of the Wallabies.”