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World Cup-winning New Zealand rugby league forward Greg Eastwood has been refused a work visa to play for the Leeds Rhinos club in Britain.
Eastwood, 21, a former Brisbane Broncos player, had agreed to a three-year deal but was reported to have a driving conviction which scuppered the move, the BBC reported.
But Rhinos chief executive Gary Hetherington has vowed to fight the ruling.
He said: "We are naturally surprised and disappointed by the news regarding Greg.
"Greg will be looking to appeal the decision but obviously that will take its due process.
"Greg remains very much in our plans for this season and we will continue to stay in touch with him during this process."
Eastwood was a World Cup winner with New Zealand last year, and had been lined up as a replacement for Gareth Ellis, who has moved to Australian side Wests Tigers.
The Kiwi was due to join the Leeds, the reigning champions, in December and recently told the Yorkshire Evening Post: "I ring up every day and they say just wait for an email. It is very frustrating, really frustrating. I just want to get over there with the team and start training".
Leeds is now two games into the season and Eastwood said after watching the first game against newcomers Celtic Crusaders, that he was impressed with the players he hoped would be his new teammates.
"It was a bit scrappy, but it always is in the first game. I am sure they are going to improve as the season goes on." Eastwood said.
Another UK Super League club, Bradford, was also rocked this week after Australian international Greg Bird was denied a visa due to an impending court case.
Huddersfield-bound Todd Carney and Hull signing Michael Crocker were also hit due to previous convictions.
With the new Super League season underway, all four sides could struggle to replace the players, should they fail with appeals.
- NZPA
