If you were to look at the most recent Heineken Cup final you could rightly assume that French rugby is on a real high and that there are no concerns for the future form of their national team.
Developing youth
With no cap on the number of foreign players, it is making it even harder for young players to break through. The likes of Toulouse centre (formerly of Toulon) Gael Fickou and Clermont's Jean-Marcellin Butin are seen as young players who can bring back the much needed flair to Les Bleus. Both players are highly regarded as future French stars, but are both being kept out of their club teams by imported players.
When looking at the style of the two finalists it's all built around power. They possess unrivalled power that cause seismic shifts whenever they collide. This kind of power however can give a false viewing for many players. For example Freddie Michelak has had his international career extended from recent club form, because he has an armchair ride behind his pack making for an easy life.
Not only is the French obsession with buying foreign players detrimental to themselves, but very advantageous to others - none more so than many involved in the RaboDirect Pro12. The Welsh seemed to have reaped the benefits of such a situation. As most of their Six Nations team are playing in France next season, it leaves great opportunities for younger and non-regular players to play a lot more competitive rugby. Not only are their players getting game time in one of the toughest leagues in the world, which can only be a good thing, but others now get the chance to represent their region in the Amlin and Heineken Cups: many more players are being exposed to the higher echelons of European rugby.
Things can be made confusing for international selectors, as seen in this year's Six Nations with France, and it's much tougher for players to perform outside of their now large comfort zone. Both make a recipe for disaster when building an international team, just look at the England football team. Unless changes are made, a cap on foreign players or reduced salary cap, I expect a bleak future for French rugby.
With such big names on show every week, it makes for a compelling and exciting league to watch. So from the outside all can look good and healthy but a deeper search can show many issues. Even though many complain about the salary, both in England and Wales, it's seems it will be the saving grace of our national teams.
