Hampshire signs Scott Kuggeleijn for final four County Championship matches
4 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Sep 2, 2026, 4:20 PM
Last updated Sep 2, 2026

Hampshire included New Zealand cricketer Scott Kuggeleijn in its squad for the current County Championship match against Warwickshire. The club added the 34-year-old to its 15-player list on social media without issuing an official announcement regarding his signing. Kuggeleijn, who previously played for Northern Districts, faces scrutiny from supporters due to his acquittal on charges of rape and indecent assault in 2017. Fans have publicly criticized the move, describing the acquisition as shameful and a disgrace. Hampshire currently sits at the bottom of the Division One standings and remains 16 points behind Leicestershire. The club intends to utilize Kuggeleijn for the remainder of the four-match campaign as it fights to avoid relegation from the top division.
- •Hampshire listed Scott Kuggeleijn in its squad for the match against Warwickshire.
- •The club did not issue an official announcement confirming the overseas signing.
- •Kuggeleijn was acquitted of rape and indecent assault charges in 2017.
- •Hampshire currently occupies the bottom position in Division One.
- •The team is 16 points behind Leicestershire in the relegation battle.
- 4:20 PMYahoo Sports — English cricket team take u-turn after backlash, confirm rape acquitted cricketer won't represent club
- 12:02 PMBBC Sport — Hampshire make Kuggeleijn U-turn after criticism
- 11:25 AMYahoo Sports — Hampshire make Kuggeleijn U-turn after criticism
- 8:12 AMYahoo Sports — Cricket side under fire after signing player acquitted of rape, indecent assault charges
"In response to fan backlash, Hampshire Cricket has decided to withdraw Scott Kuggeleijn from their roster. The club faced significant criticism over his past allegations. Acknowledging the supporters' concerns, Hampshire confirmed that Kuggeleijn will no longer play for the team. As they currently sit at the bottom of the County Championship, their primary goal is to ensure they maintain their Division One status.
"Hampshire have faced backlash from fans after naming New Zealand cricketer Scott Kuggeleijn in their squad without announcing his signing. Kuggeleijn, who was acquitted of rape and indecent assault charges in 2017, has previously faced protests over his selection. One fan called the move “a disgrace”, while another labelled it “shameful” and “a new low for the club”.
"Hampshire decide that New Zealand all-rounder Scott Kuggeleijn will not represent the club having "listened to feedback from staff and supporters".
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 2, 2026, 4:20 PMEnglish cricket team take u-turn after backlash, confirm rape acquitted cricketer won't represent club
In response to fan backlash, Hampshire Cricket has decided to withdraw Scott Kuggeleijn from their roster. The club faced significant criticism over his past allegations. Acknowledging the supporters' concerns, Hampshire confirmed that Kuggeleijn will no longer play for the team. As they currently sit at the bottom of the County Championship, their primary goal is to ensure they maintain their Division One status.
- BBC SportSep 2, 2026, 12:02 PMHampshire make Kuggeleijn U-turn after criticism
Hampshire decide that New Zealand all-rounder Scott Kuggeleijn will not represent the club having "listened to feedback from staff and supporters".
- Yahoo SportsSep 2, 2026, 11:25 AMHampshire make Kuggeleijn U-turn after criticism
Hampshire decide that New Zealand all-rounder Scott Kuggeleijn will not represent the club having "listened to feedback from staff and supporters".
- Yahoo SportsSep 2, 2026, 8:12 AMCricket side under fire after signing player acquitted of rape, indecent assault charges
Hampshire have faced backlash from fans after naming New Zealand cricketer Scott Kuggeleijn in their squad without announcing his signing. Kuggeleijn, who was acquitted of rape and indecent assault charges in 2017, has previously faced protests over his selection. One fan called the move “a disgrace”, while another labelled it “shameful” and “a new low for the club”.
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