Cape Town - Former Springbok wing Chester Williams says he has no issue with overseas-based players being selected for the Boks.
Williams spoke to Die Son newspaper after news broke that French club Toulon were interested in signing Bok lock Eben Etzebeth after next year's Rugby World Cup.
According to French newspaper, Var Matin, the 23-year-old Capetonian is seen as an ideal replacement for compatriot Bakkies Botha, who recently retired from international rugby and will leave Toulon at the end of the current European season.
Williams, who has been helping of late to develop rugby in the relatively infant market of Saudi Arabia, said rugby is a professional game which shouldn't have any restrictions on players moving abroad, especially not if they get the opportunity to earn large amounts of money overseas.
According to Williams, as long as a player shows pride in representing represent his country and would still like to play for the Boks, then he should be considered for selection, especially if there is a shortage of international quality players in the local game.
"I think it will be a good professional decision for him (Etzebeth)," said Williams.
However, Western Province were quick to dismiss the reports and brushed it off as mere "rumours".
Their chief executive Rob Wagner told Netwerk24 that Etzebeth is contracted to the union until the end of the 2016 season.
"I'm not disturbed by such rumours," said Wagner.
Williams spoke to Die Son newspaper after news broke that French club Toulon were interested in signing Bok lock Eben Etzebeth after next year's Rugby World Cup.
According to French newspaper, Var Matin, the 23-year-old Capetonian is seen as an ideal replacement for compatriot Bakkies Botha, who recently retired from international rugby and will leave Toulon at the end of the current European season.
Williams, who has been helping of late to develop rugby in the relatively infant market of Saudi Arabia, said rugby is a professional game which shouldn't have any restrictions on players moving abroad, especially not if they get the opportunity to earn large amounts of money overseas.
According to Williams, as long as a player shows pride in representing represent his country and would still like to play for the Boks, then he should be considered for selection, especially if there is a shortage of international quality players in the local game.
"I think it will be a good professional decision for him (Etzebeth)," said Williams.
However, Western Province were quick to dismiss the reports and brushed it off as mere "rumours".
Their chief executive Rob Wagner told Netwerk24 that Etzebeth is contracted to the union until the end of the 2016 season.
"I'm not disturbed by such rumours," said Wagner.