Henry Speight: Australian star believes Pro14 deserves more credit
Last updated on .From the section Irish Rugby

Australian international Henry Speight says the Pro14 deserves greater recognition as a "world-class" league.
The 30-year-old back joined Ulster on a short-term contract in the summer and has so far made five appearances.
"There's not enough credit given to the Pro14 because the standard is right up there," said Speight.
"I remember the first two games of the season, I was blowing. It was just equally as exhausting as a Super Rugby game if not more so."
Speight's move mirrors that of former Brumbies teammate Christian Leali'ifano, who played for Ulster during the first half of last season.
"There was a chance of coming here or staying in [Brumbies] camp and pushing for Wallabies selection for the Rugby Championship," said Speight, who will return to Australia at the end of the year.
"I have really thoroughly enjoyed my time so far. My girlfriend and I both feel that we have made the right decision."
An exciting time of change and transition
Speight was the experienced figure in Ulster's back three as the province secured their first bonus-point win of the season against Dragons.
Full-back Michael Lowry, 20, and wing Robert Baloucoune, 21, both started at Kingspan Stadium to continue the early-season theme of Ulster promoting academy players into the senior squad.
"I am coming in a time of change and transition. It is an exciting time for the province," added Speight, who has been capped 19 times by the Wallabies.
"Seeing guys like Michael Lowry, who would be lucky to be tipping 70kg, throwing his body around is amazing; he is a brave kid. It is energising for a person like me to be playing in a backfield with two young players with so much talent."

During his short stint in Belfast, Leali'ifano became a popular figure at the Kingspan before returning to Australia to rejoin the Brumbies in January.
"As I was contemplating moving over, he was the last person I talked to," Speight revealed.
"He basically had no bad words to say about Ulster."
With eight Ulster players on Ireland international duty for the duration of November, Speight's experience and versatility will become even more significant in Dan McFarland's new-look squad.
The province face away fixtures against Benetton and last season's beaten finalists Scarlets in the next month.
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The only reason internat players are given so much rest is because the SRU, WRU and IRFU care more about player fatigue and the national teams success than money
The money plays a part in running, but it isnt guaranteeing any greater quality.
Someone mentioned grounds, well Saracens ground is tiny and rubbish, Ulster have a much greater ground capacity and facilities for example
Irish teams have certainly made the Pro14 work for them, but then that is why the thing was set up in the first place. Run out of Dublin for the benefit of the Irish sides.
Certainly worked for Leinster though.
Trying to convince people one league is better than the other is a fruitless and meaningless exercise!
The main draw for me is that a lot of the players have come through their club’s academy. I don’t think I could ever support a team who have simply bought 15 players from all over the world.
It’s fair to say that all English and French club fans look at the Pro 14 with envy.
Just a pity the exposure is not great. Premier sports might offer more money and coverage, and despite forking out for it myself, I fear it will come at the cost of viewers.
What I think holds back the pro14 are some of the tinpot wee grounds. Not much corporate for revenue and they’re a bit of a turn-off for a casual fan seeking a sense of occasion.
Exciting and competitive.
Brings out the breakdown savvy required to compete at the top - of europe.
It wins erc trophies regularly.
Unlike some other leagues who only won 2 in how many years ?
Yes the best players get rested unlike in the English Prem, but this works in the best interests of the national teams and they consistently produce some of the best domestic sides in Europe.
Doesn't have quite the same intensity as the Premiership but more than matches it in other aspects (though due to the TV deal it is no longer so visible)