Crusaders players face visa probe : Thu Jul 09, 2009 3:48 pm  

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. No-one from the Crusaders has commented.

And 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".

Coach John Dixon admitted that it had been a turbulent week at the club.

"Footie clubs - and life in general - rarely run smoothly... there are always challenges to face," he told BBC Sport Wales.

"I think that there will be a positive outcome [to the club's financial position] in the end.

"Financial problems are affecting all of our economy, and to think that a small rugby league club would be impervious... wouldn't make sense.

"To get the long-term assurances that we've had was a really positive step."

: Thu Jul 09, 2009 3:52 pm  

It's already on the Celtic Crusaders topic thread mate but some people may have missed it. Its a shambles over there right now.

Whilst we on the other hand could be picking up some silver on sunday

: Thu Jul 09, 2009 4:00 pm  

love them, love their apologists and forget about it.

What will be will be.

As you say, we have a final next sunday to look forward to. This great club doesn't need to justify itself or dwell on the weak.

Let's enjoy blackandwhitepool!

: Thu Jul 09, 2009 4:07 pm  

Chris Dalton wrote:

love them, love their apologists and forget about it.

What will be will be.

As you say, we have a final next sunday to look forward to. This great club doesn't need to justify itself or dwell on the weak.

Let's enjoy blackandwhitepool!

I like it.

: Thu Jul 09, 2009 4:17 pm  

Chris Dalton wrote:

love them, love their apologists and forget about it.

What will be will be.

As you say, we have a final next sunday to look forward to. This great club doesn't need to justify itself or dwell on the weak.

Let's enjoy blackandwhitepool!

Spot on, Chris.

I'm afraid I'm becoming very disillusioned with my fellow Widnes fans on these boards. They're starting threads on everyone's boards and defaming a fellow RL club and crying like b*****d's. The Celtic board is getting spammed by them. It's pity they are too stupid to see what CruCru was up to when he started the “FAO Widnes Fans” thread.

Celtic are in SL. The RFL will do everything they can to keep them there. Posting anti-Celtic cr@p all over these boards will not change this, and only make us look like bitter whingers which, to be honest, I’m beginning to think we are.

What happens with Celtic happens with Celtic. Watching the RFL get a face full of egg is quite enjoyable, but that’s as far as it goes for me. Going on other fans boards and gleefully berating another club is just so low, it really is.

Lets just concentrate on Widnes and getting our bid in for 2011. Then we can see what excuse the RFL use to deny us. That should be very interesting.

: Thu Jul 09, 2009 4:41 pm  

Pepe wrote:

Spot on, Chris.

I'm afraid I'm becoming very disillusioned with my fellow Widnes fans on these boards. They're starting threads on everyone's boards and defaming a fellow RL club and crying like b*****d's. The Celtic board is getting spammed by them. It's pity they are too stupid to see what CruCru was up to when he started the “FAO Widnes Fans” thread.

Celtic are in SL. The RFL will do everything they can to keep them there. Posting anti-Celtic cr@p all over these boards will not change this, and only make us look like bitter whingers which, to be honest, I’m beginning to think we are.

What happens with Celtic happens with Celtic. Watching the RFL get a face full of egg is quite enjoyable, but that’s as far as it goes for me. Going on other fans boards and gleefully berating another club is just so low, it really is.

Lets just concentrate on Widnes and getting our bid in for 2011. Then we can see what excuse the RFL use to deny us. That should be very interesting.

There is only about three of them doing it but they're everywhere.

Let. Celtic. Be.