I feel that this guy should not be allowed to play for the Catalans. If he was denied a work permit to play for Bradford then the RFL should not accept his registration as a player for the Catalan club. It is not fair, and proves that we are not competing on a level playing field!

it has nothing to do with the RFL though.

I don’t think the RFL had a problem with the Bird signing when Bradford attempted to recruit him so they shouldn’t really have one now. Also there probably isn’t a ruling as such which could handle this scenario leaving the governing body open to discrimination claims.

However, if this continues then I think they will have to draft in a ruling along the lines of a player must be eligible to play his trade at any of the member clubs. If not then the registration of said player should be refused.

Surely if he has been granted a work permit by an EU country the RFL would be skating on thin ice (legally) if they refused him a playing permit.

Depending on the Bird situation and the rulings that could allow him to compete on British soil, could we soon see the situation where SL clubs link up with French counterparts just so Antipodeans with questionable backgrounds could obtain an visa in an EU country by singing for the French side before moving on to play on loan terms in SL.

I read that Bird may be allowed into the UK for a period of 48 hours under UK border regulations so obviously this would not be suitable for the above scenario.

I thought all the players for every club have to be registered with the RFL?

If a player is denied a move to a club in super league, he should not be free to move to another club in a different country and play in the same league, it gives the French club an unfair advantage, in my view!

The RFL in my opinion should have stepped in and refused to allow his registration to be processed.

I don't think the RFL had a problem with registering him, it is Her Majesty's Government who don't want him. If the RFL were prepared to register him to play for Bradford, they can't really turn round and say they're not prepared to allow him to play for Catalans. At least, that's how I understand the situation.

But what the RFL should be saying is that if he can't play for Bradford he shouldn't play for Catalans!

Why?

Its not an issue for the RFL, its nothing to do with them. Its a matter for UK Immigration. The Home Office denied him a visa and its now up to the Immigration Officer at his UK point of enry to decide whether to let him in or not.

Putting aside the legalities of it, to ensure that, where possible, all clubs are operating on a level playing field. Top quality imports with a history will be unable to sign for a British club yet will be able to play in the same ‘domestic’ competition for a French side. Even with your argumentative manner, it is clear to see why Jambon oppposes Bird playing for the Dragons.

If the RFL had said 'no' to Birds registration with Bradford and then sanctioned his move to Catalan then I see your argument, but they in fact by accepting him as a Bulls player have said that he is acceptable to play in SL, the issue as already said is not a RUGBY one but an immigration one, our immigration said 'no' the French said 'oui'

Let's hope there's a miserable s.o.b of a immigration officer (or a wildcat supporter) on duty when he arrives with Les Catalans on Friday @ LBA.

So that all clubs in super league are playing by the same rules! Why should Catalans be able to sign a player who cant play for an English club? As the governing body for the competition i feel the RFL should have blocked this transfer.

It isn't something that we have control of. These are immigration rules, and if we try and place our own rules it would be a restraint of trade!

well your immediate mistake is looking at the european super league as a 'domestic' competition, when it pretty obviously an international competition

and are you expecting the french clubs to run their signings by the UK border agency as well as the french border agency? do we ask british clubs to do the same, are wakefield going make sure the that frank winterstein is ok by the french authorities

they are playing by the same rules, but there are differing laws which superseed the laws of the RFL,

regardless of your strange moral objection which i really cant see,

the rfl would be sued into oblivion in what would be a very clear case of discrimination

No Bird to roast on Sunday, has flown back Oz Already. Shame www.skysports.com/story/0,19528, ... 41,00.html

No Bird to roast on Sunday, has flown back Oz Already. Shame www.skysports.com/story/0,19528, ... 41,00.html

I used the term domestic to identify the ESL as a league and not a European cup type competition. I know in football, teams in the Spanish and Italian leagues used to have an advantage over their English counterparts by being able to fill their teams with Argentinean and Brazilian players due to quota regulations. I have no idea whether this is still the case.

And no, I’m not expecting the French clubs to run signings pass the UK border agency at all, not sure where you’ve pulled that one from. All I’m saying, putting the legalities aside for one moment, the RFL could resolve this issue of one club having an advantage over everyone else by refusing to register any player who is not eligible to play for all member clubs. I would feel the same if Wakefield were able to sign a player that Catalans were unable to due to visa issues.

Re: Winterstein, you really need to get over it.

What is strange about it? Catalans can sign a player that another team in the same league cant! I find that unfair, what don't you get?

I understand your point about the laws of the land but surely this is an area that now needs to be looked at if possible?

you have contradicted yourself there

other teams can and did sign him, they just couldnt get a work permit for him, thats something above and beyond rl

The Bird has flown, back to Australia for a pre-trial hearing, won`t be back to face us, so the U.K. Border Agency won`t have to deal with him until the Catalans face Leeds on March 27th.
We still don`t have a level playing field, Catalans are allowed 9 non-fed players and Celtic Crusaders are allowed 10 (just don`t ask me why).

Not sure where i have but i'm sure you'll point it out.

dont encourage him khlav, i've currently got toothache and even that's significantly less irritating