A leading employment lawyer from the world of rugby has joined regional law firm Morgan Cole as the top 100 firm seeks to further develop their sporting portfolio.

Glyn Lloyd has joined the firm from Bristol based Veale Wasbrough Vizards. He has specialist experience of advising sports clubs on the recruitment of overseas players, including immigration issues that arise from loan and transfer arrangements and contract renewals. He has assisted over two thirds of the rugby clubs in the English Premiership, a selection of English Championship clubs and the majority of the Welsh Regions on the immigration matters relating to their foreign players including obtaining the relevant visas for those players competing in the domestic league and the European Cup, in addition to overseas training sessions.

In addition to advising clubs, Mr Lloyd supports businesses on their sponsorship obligations, and assists employees on immigration issues including business visitor visas, renewals and visa extensions. He also benefits from a thorough understanding of the process for applications for ancestry, settlement, EU nationals and their family members.

John Stokoe, team manager of Newcastle Falcons, said: "The business of professional rugby is increasingly complex with significant immigration issues arising from the recruitment of overseas players. Glyn is very experienced and has an expert knowledge on all aspects of the UK immigration system."

Commenting on the appointment, Michael Prior, a partner and head of the Employment, Pensions and Benefits team at Morgan Cole said: "Having advised nine of the Premiership rugby union teams, clubs in the Championship and three of the four Welsh Regions on all aspects of immigration law arising in connection with their overseas players, Glyn has exceptional knowledge of all matters relating to overseas players including in-country visa extensions to accommodate contract renewals, club transfers and loan arrangements."

"Glyn’s experience of advising on and applying for Sponsor Licence applications and advising on UKBA audits is a further benefit and we are confident that we will be able to further develop his work in other areas including cricket and football."

Mr Lloyd adds: "This is a great opportunity for me to help grow the existing portfolio of clients from the world of sport at Morgan Cole. Recent instructions include the Ospreys, Newport Gwent Dragons, and the Newcastle Falcons, all of whom value the clear, creative and collaborative contribution that Morgan Cole is able to provide."