Cape Town - Leinster captain Isa Nacewa and fellow New Zealander Jamison Gibson-Park have been denied entry to South Africa because of visa problems.
It is understood they the duo did not have the visa New Zealanders require to enter the country when they landed at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg on Wednesday morning.
Leinster are scheduled to play two PRO14 games in South Africa - against the Southern Kings in Port Elizabeth this Saturday (September 16 - 14:15) and the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein next Friday (September 22 - 20:00).
The Irish side on Wendesday released a statement on the matter via their official website:
"Leinster Rugby can confirm that both Jamison Gibson-Park and Isa Nacewa have not been granted a visa at this point in time and will as a result return to Dublin at the earliest opportunity.
"Nick McCarthy has been called up to the touring squad as a result and will arrive tomorrow.
"Leinster Rugby will be making no further comment on this matter."