15 Feb 2009

Kiwis star Eastwood denied visa to join Leeds

9:18 am on 15 February 2009

New Zealand rugby league star Greg Eastwood faces an uncertain future after his failure to secure the visa that would have cleared him to join Super League champions Leeds.

The 21-year-old Eastwood was refused the visa by the British High Commission in Canberra. It is believed the decision was made due to a driving conviction.

He is the fourth high-profile overseas player this year to fall victim to a clampdown on entry requirements.

The second-rower helped the Kiwis win the World Cup in November and is set to appeal the decision.

The High Commission recently rejected visa applications from fellow NRL players Michael Crocker, Todd Carney and Greg Bird, who had signed for Hull, Huddersfield and Bradford respectively.