Okay, who dobbed them in ? : Thu Jul 09, 2009 1:53 pm  

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/super_league/celtic_crusaders/8142408.stm 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".

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/super_league/celtic_crusaders/8142408.stm 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".

: Thu Jul 09, 2009 1:59 pm  

after the trauma brendan was put through and us missing in my opinion our best forward the most of the season , do I feel any sympathy? Not a scrap.

: Thu Jul 09, 2009 5:02 pm  

No sympathy at all.

: Thu Jul 09, 2009 5:15 pm  

girl power wrote:

No sympathy at all.

DITTO

: Thu Jul 09, 2009 5:27 pm  

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...

: Thu Jul 09, 2009 5:28 pm  

You could say someone welshed on the welsh

: Thu Jul 09, 2009 7:06 pm  

My heart bleeds for them...not

: Thu Jul 09, 2009 10:07 pm  

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.

: Fri Jul 10, 2009 7:34 am  

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!

: Fri Jul 10, 2009 11:53 am  

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.