Kenya women replace South Africa for Rio

In a stunning decision that comes only a day after World Rugby announced the details of the final Olympic repechage tournaments, South Africa has withdrawn its women’s side from Rio, with African runners-up Kenya now added in their place. The decision comes not from the South African rugby union, but from the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC).

The change was confirmed by the Kenyan Rugby Union just hours ago, having been informed by World Rugby of SASCOC’s decision. Tubby Reddy, CEO of SASCOC, announced earlier this year that regional qualifiers alone would not be enough for South African athletes to be approved by their own governing body to represent the nation, and whether it is a funding issue or not it appears the South African women have suffered a terrible blow due to incomprehensible political bureaucracy.

None of World Rugby, SARU, or SASCOC have made an official statement yet, and no team has been named to replace Kenya in the repechage tournament.