Real blow for the province and the players.
Leinster Rugby have hit a real road bump already just as they arrived in South Africa for their Pro 14 fixtures in the southern hemisphere.
The squad landed in Johannesburg but two players encountered visa issues, they were denied entry, and subsequently they were sent back to Dublin.
Both Isa Nacewa and Jamison Gibson-Park met problems when they arrived in the country and are now on their way to Ireland again with Nick McCarthy being called up to the touring squad.
The initial statement from Leinster was very vague.
‘Leinster Rugby can confirm that two members of the touring squad to South Africa, Isa Nacewa and Jamison Gibson-Park, encountered visa issues this morning upon arrival in Johannesburg.
‘As this process is still ongoing, Leinster Rugby will be making no further statement.’
However, they then revealed that the players had departed from the rest of the tour squad.
‘Leinster Rugby can confirm that both Jamison Gibson-Park and Isa Nacewa have not been granted a visa at this point in time and will as a result return to Dublin at the earliest opportunity.
‘Nick McCarthy has been called up to the touring squad as a result and will arrive tomorrow.
‘Leinster Rugby will be making no further comment on this matter.’
They’re the first Irish province to head to South Africa for their Pro 14 games with the Southern Kings and the Cheetahs but now two players are missing for the first game on the 16th.
Leinster’s two fixed games in South Africa involve a six-day turnaround.
- September 16: Southern Kings
- September 22: Toyota Cheetahs
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