Bielle-Biarrey denied UK entry with three Bordeaux team-mates at Bristol

Bordeaux Bègles had four players held at Bristol Airport, France wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey among them, when UK border officials refused them entry before the club's Champions Cup opener against Gloucester.

The other three were back-rower Romain Gardrat, loosehead prop Matis Perchaud and Tonga tighthead prop Toma Taufa. A fitness coach was also stopped. While the group was held, the rest of the squad went on to the team hotel near Gloucester without them.

A club source quoted by AFP said the group did not hold valid Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) permits, which are needed to enter the UK. According to the same source, the permits were tied to passports renewed earlier in the year, and no fresh authorisations had been obtained.

Bordeaux Bègles were reported to have asked the French embassy in London for help to clear the way to the Champions Cup opener.