Amy Wilson-Hardy withdraws from Paris 2024 on 'medical grounds' as British Olympic Association investigate the Team GB rugby sevens star over a racist message

Team GB rugby sevens player Amy Wilson-Hardy has withdrawn from the Olympic Games amid an investigation into an alleged racist message.

The British Olympic Association launched an investigation into an alleged post made by Wilson-Hardy in a WhatsApp conversation, which was then posted on Instagram.

Wilson-Hardy had featured in Team GB's 17-7 quarter-final defeat to the United States on Monday.

The 32-year-old has now withdrawn from placement matches at the Games, with the BOA citing 'medical grounds'. 

'The British Olympic Association has confirmed that Amy Wilson Hardy has been withdrawn on medical grounds from the rugby sevens placement matches and will be replaced by Tokyo 2020 Olympian Abi Burton,' a BOA statement read.

Her replacement Burton played in Britain's 19-15 loss to China in their 5-8 placing match on Tuesday afternoon.

Mail Sport exclusively revealed on Monday that the BOA were investigating the post.

Officials are looking into a screengrab of a WhatsApp conversation which allegedly involves Team GB and England forward Amy Wilson-Hardy and an unnamed third party.

Within it, there is a picture of the 32-year-old, who looks like she is wearing a dark-coloured facemask.

The third party writes underneath: 'genuine chocolate face', which prompts the response: 'Thought I'd have a better chance with the blacks'.

The image was posted on Instagram along with the caption: 'A little black face racism by @teamgb Rugby 7's @amywilsonhardy even joking she'll have a better chance with the blacks'.

In a previous statement, 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." 

Wilson-Hardy, who made her England debut in 2013, started in today's 26-17 victory over South Africa, and then featured in their 17-7 quarter-final defeat to the United States in the evening.

From West Sussex, she won a bronze medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, was named in the 2017 Women's Rugby World Cup squad and has a degree in engineering from Bath University.

Wilson-Hardy has 10 England caps and has scored 40 points.

A spokesperson for BOA said: 'The British Olympic Association has been made aware of an image on a social media platform and is investigating the matter.'

The RFU have been contacted for comment.