Michael Searle: "There's no parachute for those guys anymore"

Changes to UK immigration rules for professional footballers wanting to play in the Super League have claimed a fourth scalp.

Greg Eastwood, the New Zealand international is the latest in a growing line of aussie and kiwi professional football players denied a UK visa on the basis of past criminal convictions.

UK visa applications for Michael Crocker, Toddy Carney and Greg Bird have all been turned down in recent weeks, all with chequered pasts.

“It’s just a further reminder that it’s no longer necessarily easy to take up that option of finding a club in the UK. And it’s a definite reminder of what the consequences are for not keeping your nose clean or stepping out of line,” said NRL chief executive David Gallop.

Speaking to AP, Gold Coast Titans chief executive Michael Searle believes the changes will improve the sport in both countries.

“The immigration rules of the UK are very strong and, as such, if you’re convicted you won’t be given entry,” Searle said.

“If they don’t have that plan B, it sets a real benchmark for behaviour. There’s no parachute for those guys anymore.”

Have you any thoughts on UK immigration getting tough, leave them below.