Eddie Jones on Brodie Retallick and the Changing Landscape of Rugby
Eddie Jones has spoken about the remarkable form of Brodie Retallick, highlighting how modern-day rugby players can maintain their high standards for longer periods. This conversation comes as Retallick, a Test centurion, remains out of the international scene since the end of the 2023 Rugby World Cup. However, new All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie is keen on bringing him back into the national team.
Rennie, currently coaching the Kobelco Kobe Steelers in Japan, has observed Retallick’s outstanding performances in the Japan Rugby League One. Despite being nearly 35 years old, Retallick continues to perform at a high level, which has caught the attention of Jones.
Jones believes that Rennie is right to consider bringing Retallick back into the equation, even though the lock will turn 35 in May. The former England head coach argues that more players are now able to extend their careers well into their 30s, thanks to improved physical conditioning and year-round training.
“It’s almost like 35 is the new 30. Because they’re physically in so much better condition and the good players train 12 months of the year, and they keep getting better,” Jones said during an appearance on the Rugby Unity podcast.
He also highlighted the dedication of top players, such as Richie Mo’unga, who performs 360 touches of a ball on a Tuesday morning to improve his skills. Jones noted that the financial incentives for players also play a role in encouraging them to play longer.
“I think we’ll see more and more players playing into their mid-30s. The age that we once thought players would decline, particularly for the less obvious speed positions, I think players can play for much longer now.”
The Evolution of Rugby and Player Roles
Ewen McKenzie joined Jones on the podcast and echoed his sentiments, emphasizing how the game has evolved over the years. He described rugby as having become “homogenised,” with players taking on more similar roles.
“The way that the game’s set up, players like myself and the way the scrums were – we had twice as many scrums back in the day – the reality is that you pay the price post-rugby,” McKenzie said.
He explained that the game has become more structured, with players needing to be versatile. “Everyone’s got similar roles. Everyone can attack the ball, everyone’s got to tackle, everyone’s got to carry the ball – that’s it.”
McKenzie pointed out that traditional roles, such as being a strong scrummager or a lineout specialist, are becoming less relevant. “They can all be fudged now, you have to be able to carry the ball, you’ve got to be able to tackle well and you’ve got to be able to get around the park, but that’s it.”
While he acknowledges that this shift isn’t necessarily negative, he believes it allows players to focus more on their physical preparation and training, enabling them to play longer.
The Future of Rugby Careers
The discussion between Jones and McKenzie highlights a broader trend in rugby: the increasing longevity of professional careers. With advancements in training methods, recovery techniques, and a more balanced approach to player development, it’s becoming increasingly common for athletes to extend their time on the field.
This change is not just limited to the All Blacks. Across the rugby world, teams are starting to value experience and consistency over raw speed and power. As a result, players like Retallick are proving that age is no longer a barrier to performance.
Jones also pointed out that the standards set by elite players continue to rise. “Brodie Retallick has the facet that ‘differentiates’ All Blacks, he maintains those standards to the ‘highest extreme.’”
With the right support and mindset, players can continue to thrive in the sport for longer than ever before. As the game evolves, so too do the expectations placed on its athletes. The future of rugby looks bright, with more opportunities for seasoned players to contribute to their teams well into their 30s.
