Rugby League Coaching Manuals

Australia Test player Greg Bird has signed today a 9 month contract with Catalans Dragons. Greg Bird comes in replacement of Sebastien Raguin, a long term injury who will be de-registered from the 25 man squad and replace by Bird until the end of the season.

Greg Bird who turned 25 last week has played two Tests for Australia against New Zealand and four State of Origin games in 2007 and 2008. Greg has played 106 NRL games and scored 35 tries.

Greg has originaly signed a contract with Bradford Bulls but has been denied a British visa and therefore could not be registered by the RFL.

“ First of all i want to thanks the RFL and Bradford Bulls to understand the situation of the player and allow him to play for Catalans Dragons this season. Greg has been denied a work visa by England but has still to earn his life since he has no more contract with any sport club in the world.  After the loss of Raguin for the season, we look for player available and bird looks the ideal replacement.

There is a rule under the French employment system allowing professionnal sports clubs to get “a medical joker” in case of long term injury; if the player choosen is not French, this rule allows the club to get a French work visa very quickly to allow the player to start playing as soon as possible and do not wait 3 months  as the normal process. 

Furthermore, one of the compulsory documents to get those kind of work visa is a five years police record; Greg’s police record is empty; if it was not the case, he would not get a visa which is something I want to ¨point out; the people who thinks every player can get a French visa are wrong; French autorities look firstly the criminal record of the player; if it is not empty, the player stay in his country;

Now Greg has got a French work visa and under the European employment laws, he can travel  everywhere in Europe just like all other Australian staff and players; since we are fine with our 2009 salary cap and quota number, we have done everything right to expect shortly  the RFL registration number of Greg Bird “ Christophe Levy, general Manager

Head coach Kevin Walters was also delighted by his new player, " I can only thanks the club directors and Bernard Guasch to allow us to get such a player in our squad; Greg is a very talented player who will fit in our team. Greg can play in the forwards or in the halves; having such quality player is not only good for the Catalans Dragons but also for the whole engage Super League competition”

“ I am delighted to have the chance to play again the sport I love. I want to thanks everyone who makes it possible. I now look forward to play for my new club and discover this  new competition for me.” Greg Bird

Next game for the Dragons is in Perpignan on Saturday and Greg is expecting to make is Catalan debut against Castelford Tigers.