No UK visa for top Australian rugby player

May 12 2009 by Bryan Palmer

Crocker denied

Australian rugby player Michael Crocker has had his UK visa application rejected for the second and final time.

The Australian Test forward and player for the Melbourne Storm was initially rejected for a UK visa in January because of his criminal record. An appeal to overturn the decision was rejected this month.

Crocker had applied for the UK visa in order to take up a position playing for Hull FC. The club’s chief executive James Rule said Hull FC was disappointed Crocker would not be able to play for them and said:

"I wish to thank Michael for his loyalty and patience throughout this period, which I know has been hugely stressful for him and his wife Sally. As a club we tried everything we could think of to bring Michael into the country, which included contacting West Hull MP and Secretary of State for Health Alan Johnson."

Hull FC is still waiting for New Zealand rugby league player Hame Lauaki to have his UK visa application approved, but it is likely his application will be successful.

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