Forced out: Hendre Fourie
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Former England flanker Hendre Fourie has revealed his disappointment at not being able to stay in Britain after his work visa was cancelled.
South African-born Fourie's contract with Sale was cancelled last week after a shoulder injury forced him to retire. And now that he is not playing professionally, he cannot get a visa to remain in England.
The 33-year-old, has been playing in England for eight years and has a son who was born in the country during that period.
Fourie - who represented England in eight Tests - played for Rotherham and Leeds before moving to Sale last season but only made three appearances for the club due to his shoulder injury.
He admitted there is little choice for him other than to return to South Africa.
"I can play for England but I can't get a passport to stay in the country," Fourie told The Times. "If I had remained on a sports people visa for another two years, I would have got residency, but unless someone is willing to give me another contract, that is not going to happen.
"My wife (Corlia) is South African, but my boy was born here and I would like to have stayed here and tried to get a teaching job. There were options to appeal but I would have had to wait another few years before I could get my permanent residency.
"It has been a red-tape nightmare and we just decided it was not worth all the hassle.
"That's the amazing thing, I am not able to claim any benefits in this country. I have always paid my taxes, have represented England, but I have to leave while you hear how they protect the rights of terrorists."
Comments
TheRealH says...
Don't you love the irony - he doesn't even qualify to live in the country, but they still allow him to play for them.
Sorry about the injury cutting your career short, but this just highlights the problems with using 'foreign' players in your international side. Surely a guy must at least have citizenship/permanent residence before he can be allowed to play for a country
Posted 09:21 07th January 2013
sirtidychris says...
What a disgrace! If you wear the England shirt you should be eligible for residency....this country makes you ashamed sometimes....poor fourie junior as well...its going to be a big shock for him!
Posted 08:57 07th January 2013
ShamanSheep says...
That's beyond ridiculous
Posted 08:47 07th January 2013
comeonletsplay says...
That is the most horrific story ever...............curses to the terrorists!!
Posted 08:43 07th January 2013
BokAvenger says...
Typical poms. Use people for personal gain and then discard them when they're no longer useful
Posted 08:38 07th January 2013
gazzabok says...
Well, you turn your back on your country, it's only fair that the same is done to you. SA shouldn't let him in, that goes for all of the mercenaries.
Posted 08:32 07th January 2013