Hampshire have reversed their decision to sign New Zealand bowler Scott Kuggeleijn for the final four matches of their County Championship campaign, following online backlash from fans.
Kuggeleijn stood trial for rape in New Zealand in 2016, and then again in 2017 after the first trial resulted in a hung jury. He was found not guilty. Kuggeleijn's inclusion in international cricket since the trial – his last appearance for New Zealand was in a Test match against Australia in 2024 – has also faced criticsm.
Hampshire did not announce Kuggeleijn's signing on social media, but did post a release on the club website. They named him in their squad for the County Championship round beginning today, against Warwickshire. His inclusion was followed by fierce criticism from fans.
After rain delayed the toss on Wednesday morning, Hampshire released a statement that ran: "Having reflected and listened to feedback from our staff and supporters, Hampshire Cricket can confirm that Scott Kuggeleijn will not represent the Club. We value the passion of our fanbase and thank everyone who took the time to share their views."
A statement from Hampshire Cricket. pic.twitter.com/S2Zf6dyqZw
— Hampshire Cricket (@hantscricket) September 2, 2026
Hampshire are currently heading towards relegation from Division One of the County Championship, and sit in bottom position in the standings – 16 points adrift of Leicestershire above them.
Why was there backlash over Hampshire signing Scott Kuggeleijn?
This is not the first time teams have been criticised for including Kuggeleijn. When he made his T20I debut following his acquittal for rape, there were protests in the stands which included #MeToo signs.
During Kuggeleijn's trial, the plaintiff told the jury that she had told Kuggeleijn "no" dozens of times. According to the New Zealand Herald, the jury heard: "On the morning of the alleged assault, she said she repeatedly had to try and hold up her underwear as Kuggeleijn pressured her for sex. However, at one point, she said, she couldn't hold them up any longer and he got them down, eventually holding her arms above her head and beginning to having [sic] sex with her.
"In the stand, Kujjeleijn said he thought the complainant had been enjoying the intercourse because she was 'breathing heavily' and acted the same as when he was touching her. Allegations that he used force were 'not true', he said.
"When asked about the complainant's evidence that she said 'no' dozens of times, he said it was 'a lie'. I tried [having sex] twice, like she might have said 'no, no' a few times, but it wasn't dozens of times."
Kuggeleijn was found Not Guilty after his second trial in 2017.
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