Brexit may threaten overseas signings

Britain’s potential exit from the European Union could have “big implications” for overseas rugby players plying their trade here, according to Newcastle managing director Mick Hogan.
Britons head to the polls on June 23 and a vote to withdraw could mean the end of free movement which currently allows EU citizens to work in Britain without permits.
Pulling out may also affect South African and Pacific Island ‘Kolpak’ players who are currently entitled to play here under trade agreements brokered in conjunction with the EU.
Pacific Island players have contributed hugely to the success of the Premiership rugby, thanks to the EU’s Kolpak ruling dating back to May 2003. Were that rendered null and void, however, around 45 current top-flight players could find their employment under threat.
Hogan, whose club employs Tongan trio Nili Latu, Taione Vea and Sona Takulua and Samoans Alesana Tuilagi and Sinoti Sinoti, told The Rugby Paper:
“Although these countries are not part of the EU, they have a trade agreement which gives them the same rights as EU citizens.
“It means they can travel here and work, but an exit from Europe could make it far more difficult to employ players from abroad, including those from other EU countries.
“Whether governing bodies or the Home Office will be able to change their rules, I don’t think anyone has a definitive answer yet, but it’s certainly not going to be for the better. It’s something we need to start considering as it could have big implications for us.”
EU players from France, Italy and elsewhere may in future be required to seek work permits, which could affect the likes of Exeter‘s Michele Campagnaro.
However, chairman Tony Rowe remains relaxed over the issue, telling TRP: “Given that we’ve got ambitions to try and field a home-grown West Country team rather than rely on imports, we’ll deal with whatever the country decides.
“At the moment, 41 per cent of our squad are from the south-west region and we’d like to build on that. We’ll still need top quality overseas players to bring experience, but predominantly we’d like our squad to be home-grown.”
Premiership Rugby and the Rugby Football Union declined to comment on the situation.
NEALE HARVEY