Eastwood formerly played for Brisbane

World Cup winner Greg Eastwood has been cleared to join Leeds Rhinos next season after winning his visa appeal.

The New Zealand international forward, 22, signed for Leeds last year but was refused permission to play by the UK Border Agency.

Since then he has been playing with NRL side Canterbury Bulldogs.

"He's really happy to become a Rhino now. He's enjoyed being at the dogs but he wants to get over here," Leeds boss Brian McClennan told BBC Radio Leeds.

The decision means Eastwood, who originally signed from Brisbane, can now take up his three-year contract at Headingley.

Eastwood won the World Cup with New Zealand last season, after being given his debut by McClennan in the 2006 Anzac Test.

McClennan added: "We were always optimistic that this decision would happen, but it's good to know for sure now.

"There was been a lot of hard work done by a lot of good people in this club to make this happen.

"So it's a really nice reward for everyone and we fell like we've brought in some very nice plans for next season.

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