Celtic Crusaders' Players Deported

RUGBY LEAGUE – One week ahead of the Carnegie Challenge Cup Final rugby league has been hit with one of the biggest scandals of recent years after six of the Celtic Crusaders players were found to be illegal aliens after breaching visa regulations. Jace van Dijk, Tony Duggan, Damien Quinn, Darren Mapp, Mark Dalle Cort and Josh Hannay are all Australian nationals and have been given until September 7th to voluntarily leave the country otherwise their removal will be enforced. They have also been banned from the UK for 10 years. The six players were using working holiday or student visas which do not permit the playing of professional sport.

The South Wales based Crusaders are already struggling at the bottom of the Super League with only three wins all season and off the field the club are struggling financially with low attendances a major concern. Other teams such as Widness, Halifax and Leigh will be angry with the situation as Celtic were granted a Super League franchise ahead of them as are Oldham who were beaten by the Crusaders in 2007 to be denied promotion to National League One. An enquiry is under way to ascertain how much the Crusaders board knew of the visas and if they played a part in this scandal. Sanctions may also be imposed on the club for fielding ineligible players which could result in a heavy fine from the RFL.

With controversy and scandal in both codes rugby’s image has taken a battering recently and authorities will be seething. A tough approach is now needed so expect the next person to step out of line to be shot.