MacDonald played in the 2007 World Cup

Leeds Carnegie prop Mike MacDonald has finally been granted his UK visa and can now rejoin the Premiership club.

The 28-year-old United States international has been in his home country since April waiting for his application to be processed.

Head coach Neil Back told BBC Radio Leeds: "It's great for both Mike and the club that his visa has come through now and he can continue his rugby.

"He will hopefully join up with us on Tuesday," he added.

MacDonald joined Leeds from Worcester four years ago and captained the West Yorkshire outfit to the National One title last season, returning to the US during the summer to play in the Churchill Cup.

His successful visa application comes just days after fellow prop Samoan Fosi Pala'amo was refused entry to the UK.

Back added: "If he has kept himself fit, well and injury free then hopefully he will be involved in the Anglo Welsh Cup games in two weeks' time.

"It's doubtful he will be involved against Wasps on Sunday because of the performance of the front-row guys against Saracens."

MacDonald's return to Leeds will prove a timely boost to a side that have yet to win in the Premiership this season.

However the club put in their best performance of the season to take a bonus point away from Sunday's 21-15 defeat at unbeaten league leaders Saracens and Back was quick to praise another of Leeds' front-rowers.

"Phil Nilsen [hooker] has done outstanding well so far this season and was excellent again here," he said.

"Last season he was third choice at hooker. But he has worked very hard to develop his game and his individual skills.

"He has improved his throwing in, his ball carrying and presentation in the contact area.

"He has grown in this environment and there are a number of players doing that at the moment.

"That's all you can ask for as a coach for those guys to try as hard they can and if they fail it's not through lack of effort."

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