Hampshire have removed New Zealander Scott Coughlin from the club, a day after he was named in their 15-member squad for the County Championship match against Warwickshire.
His selection sparked widespread backlash on social media, after which the club issued a statement on Wednesday (September 2), confirming that Kuggeleijn would no longer represent the club. He was supposed to join the club for their final four matches in the tournament.
“After considering and listening to the feedback of our staff and supporters, Hampshire Cricket can confirm that Scott Coughlin will no longer represent the club,” the statement read. “We appreciate the passion of our fanbase and thank everyone who has taken the time to share their views. Our focus now turns to supporting the team through the final four County Championship matches of the season. We encourage everyone to unite behind the team as we enter a crucial phase of the campaign.”
Kuggeleijn was accused of rape in 2015 and was tried twice. The first was a hung jury in 2016, and he was acquitted a year later in a second trial in 2017. A similar backlash followed in 2023, when New Zealand awarded him a Test cap against England. At the time, Blackcaps coach Gary Stead defended his selection of Kuggeleijn, who replaced the injured Kyle Jamieson. The 34-year-old has played two more Tests – the last in 2024 – along with two ODIs and 18 T20Is.
