That fine could have big ramifications for the Eagles next fall if they do indeed take on the All Blacks. That match, if it happens, would fall before the All Blacks tour or Europe. Originally it was thought that the All Blacks would take on a World XV but U.S.A. Rugby has stayed firm on insisting the Eagles participate. The All Blacks were worried that the U.S. would not be able to get their top players free for the match but U.S.A. Rugby reportedly has been working with teams in Europe to have their U.S. players released early in return for going back to their clubs early. This ruling now throws that promise up in the air.
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Player availability has always been an issue for the Eagles. As we saw just this last fall getting players even during an IRB international window can be difficult. Clubs and coaches can put pressure on a player to not play for their country but either reducing playing time or threatening not to give them another contract. Plus, several teams will sign Tier II players as cover for when their Tier I players leave during international breaks. The IRB has said they will clamp down on the practice but has so far put little weight behind it.
With limited options for professional contracts American players often have no choice but to bend to the pressure of their club. Being employed in rugby is better than not being employed. A few Americans haven't ever had a problem with this and it comes down to a combination of the players will and the club. Saracens have always allowed Chris Wyles to be available. So far Blaine Scully hasn't had a problem. When Samu Manoa first signed with Northampton his contract was structured in a way that he missed the World Cup. However, he is now to the point that Northampton have no choice but to let him go if he wants to play for the Eagles during a test window. They can't afford to bench him based on performance and if they say they won't give him more money he'll be snapped up by a french team in a heartbeat.
But today's ruling could change all that, at least for the potential All Blacks game. Northampton's fine was in part sticking with the rule and in part making a statement. As more Welsh players leave the principality for places like the Premiership the competition will want to make sure that its product isn't diluted through missing players. Now the question becomes will similar fines be handed out in every case? If so, teams like Northampton, Leicester, and Saracens may suddenly rethink working with the Eagles to secure player releases.
Hopefully common sense prevails in that if you release a player early and get them back early it will all work out but that is not always the case in rugby, especially in the professional leagues attitudes towards Tier II players. Think about Saracens. They have three potential players--Wyles, Hayden Smith, and Titi Lamositele--that can be released. What type of fine would they receive? Northampton have two players and they'll have to think twice about releasing Manoa and Cam Dolan, especially if they are already committed to releasing George North.
Ultimately the Eagles will continue to face challenges like this until the U.S. has its own sustainable and top-quality league. It would be a travesty if an All Blacks match in the U.S. fell apart because of this (a World XV might have a hard time getting released as well unless it was only Australian and South African players). This is an area in which the IRB needs to step in for the good of the game but we wouldn't put money on that happening.