MARTIN Muller’s deal with the Newport Gwent Dragons collapsed because it was apparently discovered the giant lock did not meet the requirements to work in the UK.
In April, the region announced the capture of the former Baby Boks second row who has Super Rugby experience.
But last month it emerged the 25-year-old ex-Cheetahs forward would not be coming to Rodney Parade with Dragons team manager Rob Beale refusing to comment on the reason why.
Yesterday the Welsh Rugby Union cleared up the mystery when a spokesman said: “The WRU’s understanding is that, after examination by the independent foreign player eligibility panel, Martin Muller did not meet the required criteria for employing a foreign national to work in the UK as provided for by the UK Border Agency.”
Muller has since joined the Golden Lions and will play for them in the Currie Cup Premier Division.
When the Dragons announced earlier in the year he was joining them, they heralded the arrival of the 6ft 6in and 17st 5lb front five forward and said he would be eligible to represent Wales.
Muller had battled with injuries, suffering an ankle problem which curtailed his Super rugby career and this year he had to contend with further worries, this time in the form of a groin injury.
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