Leinster's Isa Nacewa and Jamison Gibson-Park denied entry to South Africa
Wednesday 13 September 2017 19:43, UK
Leinster duo Jamison Gibson-Park and Isa Nacewa have been denied entry into South Africa due to visa issues.
The Irish province landed into Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport on Wednesday morning ahead of Saturday's historic Guinness PRO14 clash with the Southern Kings.
But they encountered problems upon arrival as skipper Nacewa and scrum-half Gibson-Park - who are both New Zealand-born - were refused entry into the country.
South Africa changed their laws on New Zealand citizens last January, requiring them to have a visa when none had been previously needed.
A Leinster statement read: "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.
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"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."
Live PRO14 Rugby Union
Leinster's clash with the Kings in Port Elizabeth will be the first PRO14 game to be played on South African soil.
They then travel to Bloemfontein to face the Cheetahs on September 22, live on Sky Sports Action.
