Overview

• Rugby Australia has formally lodged a complaint with World Rugby, accusing French Top 14 clubs of unauthorized approaches to underage players.
• The complaint follows the signing of 16-year-old Queenslander Visesio Kite by La Rochelle and reports of 17-year-old Heinz Lemoto being courted by multiple French teams.
• World Rugby's current protocol prohibits the poaching of players under 18 without union authorization and mandates sanctions for violations.
• Rugby Australia Chairman Daniel Herbert emphasized that the issue lies with French clubs working directly with player agents, not the French Rugby Federation.
• Several other national unions have joined Rugby Australia in calling for clearer rules and stronger enforcement to protect domestic junior pathways.