The Gold Coast Blaze are extremely disappointed to announce that Rick Rickert’s contract with the team will not be confirmed due to the rejection of his citizenship application.

The Blaze announced earlier in the season that Rickert was signed pending approval of his New Zealand citizenship and his ability to play as an Unrestricted player, but are now unable to do so.

Coach Joey Wright stressed the disappointment the club has in not being able to sign Rickert.

“Rick is a great guy and an excellent player, one who is definitely good enough to play as an import in our league.

“Unfortunately, we have already signed Bennett Davison as a big man and we need to use our other import slot to find a guard or small forward. This is especially true now that Jason Cadee is unavailable for a good part of the season”.

The Blaze will now go back to the drawing board in their quest to find a suitable import candidate. Coach Wright and CEO Dave Claxton will be conducting an exhaustive search to find the best possible player, one who can make a tremendous impact at both ends of the floor