Quote:Crusaders players face visa probe Celtic Crusaders
Players from Super League side Celtic Crusaders are being investigated by the UK Border Agency over possible immigration offences.
BBC Wales Sport understands that visas used to bring overseas players to Wales may be insufficient.
The investigation covers a number of overseas players at the club. The BBC has asked the Crusaders for a response.
A UK Border Agency spokesman said: "While the investigation is under way it would be inappropriate to comment."
Before the start of the current season, eight of the 27 Crusaders players had difficulties obtaining the correct work permits.
Captain Jace van Dijk, leading try-scorer Tony Duggan and player of the year Damien Quinn were among the players whose arrival from Australia was delayed.
However, all overseas players at the club will have their visas inspected, but it is not known how many be under investigation for possible irregularities.
The investigation is the latest blow for the troubled Bridgend-based club, who currently lie bottom of the Super League in their first season in the top flight.
Owner Leighton Samuel had to reassure fans earlier this week that he "would not walk away" amid fears the club are suffering financial difficulties.
That prompted Super League chiefs to reiterate their support for the club by saying are "determined to do what we can to help find additional investors".
Quote:Crusaders players face visa probe Celtic Crusaders
Players from Super League side Celtic Crusaders are being investigated by the UK Border Agency over possible immigration offences.
BBC Wales Sport understands that visas used to bring overseas players to Wales may be insufficient.
The investigation covers a number of overseas players at the club. The BBC has asked the Crusaders for a response.
A UK Border Agency spokesman said: "While the investigation is under way it would be inappropriate to comment."
Before the start of the current season, eight of the 27 Crusaders players had difficulties obtaining the correct work permits.
Captain Jace van Dijk, leading try-scorer Tony Duggan and player of the year Damien Quinn were among the players whose arrival from Australia was delayed.
However, all overseas players at the club will have their visas inspected, but it is not known how many be under investigation for possible irregularities.
The investigation is the latest blow for the troubled Bridgend-based club, who currently lie bottom of the Super League in their first season in the top flight.
Owner Leighton Samuel had to reassure fans earlier this week that he "would not walk away" amid fears the club are suffering financial difficulties.
That prompted Super League chiefs to reiterate their support for the club by saying are "determined to do what we can to help find additional investors".
Come on people, you must have some sympathy...after all, they ARE a superleague club, and in an expansion area! Next you'll be telling me it's one rule for them...
Joined: Aug 08 2006 Posts: 739 Location: On a train or in a rugby ground.
Im going to break the trend on this thread and say I hope they sort it out. Yes they have loads of Austrailian players, but thats the fault of the RFL for allowing it to happen.
My Road to Wembley 2008
Prelim: East Leeds 6 Hunslet Old Boys 13
1st Rnd: Stannlngley 16 Shaw Cross 10
2nd Rnd: Leigh Miners Rangers 64 Vereya Bears 12
3rd Rnd: Keighley Cougars 14 Toulouse 17
4th Rnd: Bradford Bulls 98 Toulouse 6
5th Rnd: St Helens 40 Warrington Wolves 34
6th Rnd: Leeds Rhinos 23 Wigan Warriors 16
Semi Final: St Helens 26 Leeds Rhinos 16
Final: Hull FC 16 St Helens 28
Joined: May 11 2006 Posts: 909 Location: Huddersfield
Andy, I can actually see your point.
My lack of sympathy isnt so much directly with the club as much as the way SL sort of waived these players through the system, and only now has the visa matter arisen.
Whereas we played by the rules, did things correctly, and have only just got Brendan back now!
Not that its done the Crusaders much good this season so far!
Joined: Dec 10 2006 Posts: 1172 Location: Planet Earth
StephanieM wrote:Andy, I can actually see your point.
My lack of sympathy isnt so much directly with the club as much as the way SL sort of waived these players through the system, and only now has the visa matter arisen.
Whereas we played by the rules, did things correctly, and have only just got Brendan back now!
Not that its done the Crusaders much good this season so far!
The best option for the game in Wales would have been to let Welsh players get hammered around the park all year and learn from it so they can truly grow the sport in the region rather than let a bunch of washed up money grabbing aussies get hammered around the park all year and no one in Wales is any the wiser.
Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.
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