Disquiet over imports: Rugby League

The players' union, the League and the Department of Employment are meeting today to discuss the implications of the flood of overseas players in Britain.

The Rugby League Professional Players' Association has expressed disquiet over the numbers involved and the effect on the internal transfer market.

A head-count among British Super League clubs shows 34 new imports, virtually all of them surplus Australians and New Zealanders under contract to Super League in the southern hemisphere. Half the cost of their contracts is being subsidised by Super League, which makes them attractive to English clubs.

"If you are a quality British player outside Super League, it is very difficult to get a move when there are overseas players available on subsidised terms," Nic Grimoldby, the RLPPA's chairman, said.