@Nepia said in Crystal Glass XV:
@Catogrande said in Crystal Glass XV:
@Nepia
Well, we’re unlikely to know, but my guess is probably yes and almost definitely yes. Although in truth there was little that WR could do even if they wanted to. Tuilagi qualified hands down. The citizenship and overstaying was not within their remit.
Edit: From what I can gather, once the problem was realised, the correct channels were followed and he was granted “indefinite leave to remain” by the UK Government. It was Leicester Tigers that started the ball rolling on this one and they lobbied local politicians and the RFU to assist their case. Not an RFU initiative.
OK, let's first dial it back a bit and remember that my initial comment about poaching was clearly tongue in cheek, OK?
You sure about that? Ever heard of the dawn raids?
Nope, but would be pleased to be enlightened. Genuinely.
And you think so? We tried with Naholo who was living with family in NZ (legally), but not his parents same as Manu, and were denied.
So you tried? I'd say that my suggestion that you (NZ rugby) "probably would" is borne out by this only with the Government/immigration denying the opportunity.
Also, I'm not saying he should never have been available for England, but WR should have imposed the stand down after his schooling was completed which happened to other players.
Here you may have a point but it would need comparison with others. During his post schooling he did qualify win residential grounds, having worked and paid taxes in the UK would be a counter point. But murky for sure.