Michael Cheika won’t be pushing for a rule change to make overseas-based players eligible for Wallabies selection, vowing to stick by players who value playing for their country over money.

The player drain to cashed up overseas clubs remains an ongoing headache for Australian rugby, with fears of another exodus of players after next year’s Rugby World Cup.

The issue has been raised again in the lead-up to Saturday’s Test against Ireland, with local media citing Kane Douglas’ move from the Waratahs to Leinster as a prime example of the problem.

But pushed on whether he wanted Australia to explore the possibility of following South Africa’s lead and make overseas-based players available, newly-appointed coach Cheika said he respected the long-standing policy.

“Once you’ve made that final decision that money is more important to you than playing for Australia, it’s time for someone else to play for Australia,” Cheika said.

“If I was to come out now and say I support the idea, what does that say about the guys who have been plying their trade in Australia, probably for less money then they could have got overseas, because they want to play for Australia?

“I want to back that type of resolve and that type of attitude, 100 per cent.”

The likes of Israel Folau, Will Genia, Adam Ashley-Cooper and James Horwill are among those tipped to move overseas beyond next year’s World Cup, following in the footsteps of the likes of Nick Cummins, Drew Mitchell and Matt Giteau.

It’s hoped a tweak in the rules by the Australian Rugby Union to allow a limited number of sabbaticals will help matters, allowing centrally contracted players to move temporarily but still retain their Test eligibility.

Cheika said earlier on the tour he felt one of the best long-term approaches to the problem would be by making the Wallabies experience simply too good to pass up.

“Let’s make it the best environment to be in and if you leave, well you may miss out,” he said.

AUSTRALIAN RUGBY PLAYER DRAIN

GONE

Players to have signed overseas in recent times

Kane Douglas (Leinster, Ireland)

Nick Cummins (Coca Cola West Red Sparks, Japan)

Drew Mitchell (Toulon, France)

Berrick Barnes (Panasonic Wild Knights, Japan)

Digby Ioane (Stade Francais, France)

Matt Giteau (Toulon, France)

Sitaleki Timani (Montpellier, France)

Hugh McMeniman (Honda Heat, Japan)

James O’Connor (London Irish, England/Toulon, France) – returning in 2015)

GOING

Players who could be moving overseas after 2015 Rugby World Cup

James Horwill (Harlequins)

Will Genia (Bath)

Adam Ashley-Cooper (France)

Israel Folau (Europe/Japan/NRL)

Quade Cooper (Europe/Japan/NRL)