Crocker's UK visa application denied

Michael Crocker, Australian Rugby League Test player, has had his UK visa application to play for Hull FC denied, reports BBC News.

Hull FC and Crocker will possibly contest the rejection of his UK visa application, so that he can train with his new team in the UK as soon as possible. Crocker has suggested that his conviction for affray in 2005 would have contributed to the Home Office's decision to reject his UK visa.

"Hull FC and Michael are reviewing the papers from the consulate in order to determine the next steps," read a statement from the club.

"Neither Michael nor Hull FC will make any further comment at this stage until their course of action is established. The visa system does provide a right of appeal and the club does not wish to compromise a potential appeal by making public comment at this stage."

Crocker is not the first Australian to have his UK visa application to play for a professional league club denied – in January, Todd Carney's application to play for Huddersfield was also denied.

The UK Visa Bureau is an independent consulting company specialising in UK visa and immigration services.