Long-term servants of Australian rugby will be eligible to play for the Wallabies whilst playing overseas following an announcement by ARU CEO Bill Pulver today.

Players who have represented Australia on more than 60 occasions and been contracted to the ARU for 7 years or more will be eligible regardless of their club affiliation, opening the door for the likes of Matt Giteau, George Smith and Drew Mitchell to return to Australian rugby.

Adam Ashley Cooper will also remain eligible despite heading overseas next year, 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 can reach 60 caps.

“When you look at a player like Adam Ashley Cooper, no one can question the commitment and dedication that he has given to Australian rugby so a guy like that deserves to be considered for Wallaby eligibility going forward,” ARU CEO Bill Pulver said at a press conference today.

“But we want them to get to that level, this is the truly elite players we are talking about.”

Players already overseas that don’t meet the threshold – Kane Douglas, Digby Ioane, Sitaleki Timani, Berrick Barnes – could also play a role in the Wallabies World Cup campaign, if they recommit to the ARU.

“Somebody negotiating with us right now can commit to two years of Super Rugby for next year and the year after and they would be immediately eligible for Wallabies selection,” Pulver said.

It’s hoped the new system will give young players an incentive to remain in Australian rugby for longer and deter foreign invaders from poaching Australian talent.

Pulver, admitting he’d have no problem utilising World Rugby’s Regulation 9 – that gives players the right to represent their country regardless of contractual requirements – if needed.

“I think to some extent historically, international clubs have looked at Australian talent as an easy target because of the policy we had. We were not pulling players out of their competitions to represent Australia.

“With World Rugby’s Regulation 9, we clearly have the capability to do that and maybe they will think twice before recruiting some of these players. “

Pulver said he hadn’t spoken to Michael Cheika since the decision was made at an ARU board meeting on Monday, but was confident the coach would support the move.

“What it does do is provide more competition for positions and that generally delivers better outcomes so I would like to think that one of the outcomes will be a more competitive Wallabies outfit,” he said.