Leinster admits to visa mistake

New Zealanders Isa Nacewa and Jamison Gibson-Park encountered what were termed "visa issues" at Johannesburg's OR Tambo airport on Wednesday and had to return to Dublin.

However, Leinster on Thursday revealed that they failed to apply for the proper visas for the duo.

"As of January 16, 2017 a visa is required for New Zealand nationals entering South Africa," said Leinster Head of Rugby Operations Guy Easterby.  

"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 in Port Elizabeth on Saturday and the Cheetahs on Friday week in Bloemfontein – in Rounds Three and Four of the Pro14.

Leinster were due to leave for Port Elizabeth on Thursday ahead of their meeting with the Southern Kings.

After Saturday's game, Leinster are due to travel to Cape Town for four days before heading to the Highveld for their game against the Cheetahs.