Hampshire backtrack on Scott Kuggeleijn deal after fan backlash over past rape case

Hampshire have backtracked on their decision to sign New Zealand allrounder Scott Kuggeleijn for the final four County Championship matches as an overseas player after the move drew severe criticism from fans.

The 34‑year‑old Kiwi was arrested on charges of rape in 2015. He was tried twice, with the first trial ending in a hung jury, before being found not guilty at a retrial in 2017.

“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,” Hampshire said in a statement.

“Our focus now turns to supporting the team through the final four County Championship fixtures of the season. We encourage everyone to unite behind the team as we enter a crucial stage of the campaign.”

Notably, Kuggeleijn’s subsequent call‑up for New Zealand had also sparked widespread backlash due to the details of the court proceedings.  The complainant had told the court that she had said no "dozen of times" when the incident took place. Kuggeleijn said, "I tried (having sex) twice, like she might have said 'no, no' a few times, but it wasn't dozens of times’. He also said that the complainant was "provocatively dressed" and "looking for male attention".

A statement from Hampshire Cricket. pic.twitter.com/S2Zf6dyqZw

— Hampshire Cricket (@hantscricket) September 2, 2026

Kuggeleijn, 34, has played three Tests, claiming six wickets. The right-arm pacer has picked up five wickets in two ODIs and effected 16 dismissals in 18 T20Is. His last T20I appearance came against Bangladesh in Mirpur on September 10, 2021.

Kuggeleijn has represented top-tier franchise outfits like Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and St Lucia Kings in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). His side, Northern Districts, won the final of the Super Smash on January 31.