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Page last updated at 12:41 GMT, Monday, 24 August 2009 13:41 UK

Visa rules could hit more clubs

Craig Spence
Spence wants the rules on visas to be more clear

Rugby Football League communications manager Craig Spence has admitted other clubs could face similar visa problems to Celtic Crusaders' recent nightmare.

Six of the Welsh side's Australian players were told they face deportation for breaching visa regulations.

"This could affect other clubs because of the visas some players are on," Spence told the Super League Show.

"It is not good for the game and we are looking forward to receiving the UK Border Agency's report."

Celtic captain Jace van Dijk, top try-scorer Tony Duggan, Damien Quinn, Darren Mapp, Mark Dalle Cort and Josh Hannay were the six players forced to leave the country.

I think the UK Borders Agency need to be clearer on their current rules

RFL spokesman Craig Spence

Spence continued: "This issue is regarding players being on working or holiday-maker visas from the 2006 and 2007 seasons. Now we've looked into it and there are 13 others clubs that employ players on the same visas.

"So we need to find out why these six players are being singled out or have they done something wrong with their visa applications and that's why they've been deported.

"I think the UK Borders Agency need to be clearer on their current rules. They have changed their rules here three times in the last nine years."

Rugby League fans can watch the Super League Show again either via the Red Button or BBC iPlayer.



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see also
Super League Show
17 Feb 08 |  Rugby League
Celtic Crusaders 0-68 Leeds
22 Aug 09 |  Rugby League
Blame game begins as players deported
21 Aug 09 |  TV and Radio
Crusaders to make Newport switch
21 Aug 09 |  Celtic Crusaders
Pyke reacts to Crusaders' visa blow
20 Aug 09 |  Celtic Crusaders
Bulls dismiss points redemption
20 Aug 09 |  Celtic Crusaders
Six Crusaders are to be deported
18 Aug 09 |  Celtic Crusaders


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