In Episode 4 "planning your future star's career" we discuss the opportunities overseas as well as the ever-changing rules and regulations regulating the opportunities for foreign players.
Brexit has closed the UK market almost completely unless you have a UK passport or qualify for a UK ancestorial visa. Exceptions will always be possible, but admittingly only to very talented players.
France is slowly but surely starting to limit opportunities for foreign players as locals are becoming irritated with foreigners dominating their local rugby, "stealing" the opportunities of the local youngsters.
Italy, Eastern Europe and the East are opening up for foreign players to play in local clubs with some countries that makes it a condition that the junior player will commit himself to qualify and play test rugby for that country.
However, disappearing into these countries that is not part of the mainstream rugby countries will prove fatal if your boy wants to return to South Africa and be contracted at a "franchise" after "developing".
So our son is going to be developed overseas? Listen to the pro's and cons and be honest with yourselves and your child.
I asked Bart what level of player will gain anything to go and play rugby in second-tier countries. We agree that the top stars must stay in South Africa and be developed at the top franchises.
If your boy is offered an opportunity at a second-tier club it may still be a better option to play rugby at unions like the Pumas, Griquas, Boland or even the Valke, Leopards and SWD. Even some clubs in South Africa are becoming an option.
However, the limited opportunities available to the fringe players in South Africa do make the move of these boys to Europe and the East a sensible option.
Listen to the end and then decide if the sound advice given helps you to make an informed decision with your child.