Codie Taylor Advocates for More Sabbaticals to Retain Rugby Talent in New Zealand
Source: news.source.channelnewsasia
New Zealand rugby player Codie Taylor, after benefiting from a six-month sabbatical, urges New Zealand Rugby to extend the opportunity to more players. He believes that time away from the sport can rejuvenate careers and help retain talent within the country, amidst a trend of players moving overseas for lucrative contracts post-World Cup cycles.
Key Points
Codie Taylor took a six-month sabbatical from rugby, which he found beneficial for his wellbeing and family time.
He suggests that New Zealand Rugby should offer sabbaticals to more players to help retain talent within the country.
The policy currently limits sabbaticals to long-serving All Blacks, but Taylor believes relaxing it could be advantageous.
Many All Blacks players move overseas after World Cups for better contracts, impacting New Zealand rugby negatively.
Taylor's sabbatical allowed him to spend time with his family, which he found valuable for his mental health.
He returned to rugby and was immediately reintegrated into the All Blacks squad, showing the potential benefits of breaks.