UK-based South Africans need different visas to enter FranceAlex Sanderson says at least nine Sale players would be affectedAttempts to press ahead with the forthcoming European fixtures have been dealt a fresh blow after it emerged South African players based in the
UK face further red tape to gain entry into
France with the Sale director of rugby, Alex Sanderson, saying the Champions Cup could be made into a “mockery”.
European Professional Club Rugby, the organiser of the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup, remains in discussions over two rounds of fixtures this month after matches were postponed in December when France limited entry from the UK to “essential only”. EPCR is hopeful of gaining the necessary exemptions to allow fixtures to go ahead.