Leinster explain exactly what happened in Johannesburg airport

Leinster Rugby have issued a mea culpa of sorts after two of their players were denied access to South Africa yesterday.

Isa Nacewa and Jamison Gibson-Park encountered what were termed ‘visa issues’ yesterday in Johannesburg, and the pair were sent home. Both Nacewa and Gibson-Park are New Zealand nationals.

Guy Easterby, Head of Rugby Operations, Leinster Rugby who is in South Africa with the squad has revealed exactly what happened regarding two Leinster players being sent home.

A statement released today reads: “As of 16 January 2017 a visa is required for New Zealand nationals entering South Africa.

“Unfortunately this visa was not applied for by Leinster Rugby on behalf of Jamison Gibson-Park and Isa Nacewa in advance of the squad leaving Dublin Airport on Tuesday afternoon. It was only brought to our attention upon landing into Johannesburg on Wednesday morning that this was now a requirement.

“This was clearly an administrative oversight on our part and a valuable lesson has been learned.

“Nick McCarthy will arrive in later today and for the moment no other player will be called up to the squad.

“The squad is looking forward to the considerable challenge that awaits them against the Southern Kings.”

Leinster play the Southern Kings on Saturday in Port Elizabeth and the Toyota Cheetahs on Friday week in Bloemfontein in Rounds 3 and 4 of the Guinness PRO14.