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'