Proposed NRL Changes To Benefit Rugby Union

Stories of rugby union talent being lost to league at an early age may become a thing of the past.

Under a blueprint tabled by rugby league's governing body, the under-20 competition will be replaced, players won't be able to debut until the year they turn 19 and players under 18 won't get paid.

Blues High Performance Manager Ant Strachan said in past years the NRL's been able to flash their cash around and get anyone they see fit.

He said agents would head into school and start making huge promises to 13,14 and 15 year old kids and their family, but he believes the changes will be better for rugby union.

"There's no animosity between the two codes, but it's just become a much more competitive environment where you've got to be a little bit more innovative in the way you get your players on board," Strachan said.

"Unfortunately as I say it's become very inflated and not realistic going back to what the NRL have done. I've implored it because they've brought some reality back into the marketplace I think."

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