New Zealand, Ireland systems superior to England: Jimmy GopperthGETTY IMAGES Jimmy Gopperth,pictured playing for Wasps, says the centrally contracted systems in NZ and Ireland set the players up better for international rugby. Jimmy Gopperth, the Wasps first-five, believes that the systems in New Zealand and Ireland leave players "mentally fresher" to play international rugby. "Those guys are mentally fresher for the simple reason that they get longer rest periods," said Gopperth. "At Leinster, you'd only see the Ireland boys [such as Johnny Sexton or Jamie Heaslip] for, say, 10 provincial games. Look, if England were like this for two or three more seasons, then you would probably have to look at the reasons why."

Source: Stuff March 21, 2018 00:00 UTC