Amy Wilson-Hardy removed from GB rugby sevens team amid racism inquiry

The Team GB rugby sevens player Amy Wilson-Hardy has been removed from the Olympics “on medical grounds” the day after the British Olympic Associa­tion said it was investigating the 32-year-old over the alleged sending of a racist message. Abi Burton, who competed for Team GB in the Tokyo Games, replaced Wilson-Hardy for the minor-placings games on Tuesday.

The announcement came shortly before Team GB lost 19-15 against China. Later, they beat Ireland 28-12 to finish seventh.

A spokesperson for the BOA said: “The British Olympic Association has confirmed that Amy Wilson‑Hardy has been withdrawn on ­medical grounds from the Paris 2024 rugby sevens placement matches and will be replaced by Tokyo 2020 Olympian Abi Burton. As confirmed last night, the BOA continues to ­investigate this matter.”

A screenshot of an allegedly ­racist message sent by Wilson-Hardy had appeared on Monday on social media. At that point, a BOA spokesperson said: “The British Olympic Association has been made aware of an image published on a social media platform and is ­investigating the matter.” The account that posted the image has been deleted. ­Wilson‑Hardy has made no comment on her situation.

Wilson-Hardy, who turns out for Ealing Trailfinders, played in Team GB’s 17-7 quarter‑final loss to USA on Monday that ended medal hopes for the side at Paris 2024. She was part of the sevens squad who came fourth at Rio in 2016. She holds a degree in ­engineering from the University of Bath and was selected in England’s 2017 Women’s Rugby World Cup squad.

New Zealand won the gold medal after beating Canada 19-12 in the final at the Stade de France. The United States won bronze, with a converted try in the final seconds for a 14-12 win against Australia.