Aussie star sees lots of red... tape
Wed, 11 Aug 2010 09:56
Administrative red tape has robbed Australia of one of their star performers at this year's Commonwealth Games.
Brackin Karauria-Henry, who featured in the much-improved Aussie squad in the IRB Sevens World Series, is gutted that "stupid" red tape has ruled him out of competing in the Commonwealth Games.
The New Zealand born and raised Karauria-Henry played the entire World Sevens Series for Australia, but will be prevented from playing in Delhi due to stringent eligibility guidelines.
The former Cronulla NRL back moved from Christchurch to Sydney four years ago, but is paying the price for failing to lodge paperwork to prove his permanent residency.
Karauria-Henry was made aware only last week he required proof of residency.
He filled in the forms, but the Australian Rugby Union was told there was no point in lodging them as the Games are only two months away.
It's not just a blow for the newly-signed NSW Waratahs centre, but also Michael O'Connor's injury-riddled Sevens squad.
Karauria-Henry was Australia's leading try-scorer, with 30, on the IRB circuit and a leader in the young team which finished third behind Samoa and New Zealand.
"I was unaware of it and the ARU didn't know about it," he told AAP.
"I filled in all my forms last week but I was told on Friday there was not enough time to fast-track it.
"It's stupid. I can't see how I can play the whole IRB series for Australia but then not be eligible for the Commonwealth Games.
"I don't blame anyone, it's one of those things, but it's really disappointing."
The 22-year-old isn't the only NZ-born player prevented from playing for Australia in Delhi, with Queensland-cum-Melbourne scrumhalf Richard Kingi also blocked for the same reason.
O'Connor said Karauria-Henry, one of just two Australians to play all eight of the 2009/10 IRB tournaments, would be sorely missed but hoped Reds youngster Luke Morahan could fill the void at centre.
"It's very disappointing, he's worked hard all year," the coach told AAP.
"He's a very influential player, is one of the leaders in our team and sets the standards in training and is very competitive."
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