Stringent UK visa regulations scupper Rugby League side's hopes
March 12 2010 by Liam Clifford
Strict UK work visa rules have once again resulted in disappointment for a Rugby League side hoping to import a talented foreign player to work in the UK.
Workington Town Rugby League side was looking
forward to bringing in an Australian prop forward, currently playing in France,
to boost the team. However, he was unable to comply with UK visa rules.
Workington’s coach Martin Oglanby explained, “we were interested
in an Australian, who had connections with Parramatta, now playing in France.
But when we looked into it he could play in Europe but didn’t fit the
requirements for here.” He continued, “We are disappointed. He is a cracking
player, we had spoken to him and he was keen to come. Unfortunately he didn’t
tick some of the boxes for the visa and now we are basically starting from
scratch again.”
The strict visa requirements for people from outside the
EU who want to come and live and work in the UK have proved problematic for
sports teams over the past year or so. Several football teams have also suffered
after their new foreign signings fell foul of rules requiring them to have
played a certain number of games for their national side before being able to
obtain a UK work visa.
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