Collins arrival delayed
JERRY Collins's arrival at the Ospreys has been held up by red tape.
The 48-cap New Zealander had been due to link with his new team-mates this week, but the tie-up has been put back after what the region describe as a ''routine delay in the immigration process''.
Elite performance director Andrew Hore said: ''An application for a work permit has been submitted through the appropriate channels and we must wait for the paperwork to be completed before Jerry is able to join the rest of the squad for pre-season training.
''It's a situation that is unfortunately out of our control, but it is one that we are used to through our prior experience of recruiting overseas players.
''We fully understand and appreciate the regulations that are in place.
"We just have to wait for due process to be completed.''
2 Comments
by ozzy, Swansea
Friday, July 03 2009, 8:24AM
“What a load of nonsense from Mark. The Governments new Points Based Immigration System is an absolute bureaucratic nightmare. How on earth can this be regarded as incompetence by the Ospreys?”
by mark, gorseinon
Friday, July 03 2009, 7:43AM
“i seem to remember the region proudly boasting the signing of johnno gibbes a few years ago but he never materialised at the liberty because he didn't fancy it.
whilst i'm sure jerry collins is not having a change of heart it beggars belief that all such matters have not already been dealt with.
in professional rugby we seem to have administrators who's skill levels are akin to the old rugby club committee in amateur days.
this is merely further evidence of the ongoing shortcomings at the liberty.
are the ospreys in for another season of under achievement on the field and incompetence off it?”