Team GB rugby sevens player Amy Wilson-Hardy has been removed from the 2024 Olympics after the British Olympic Association launched an investigation into an alleged racist WhatsApp message. On Monday, the BOA confirmed it was looking into a leaked screenshot that appeared to show Wilson-Hardy and an unnamed party making racist comments over text.

An anonymous account posted the alleged messages on Instagram 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."

The screengrab appeared to show Wilson-Hardy sending a picture while wearing a dark-coloured face mask, to which an unnamed recipient replied: "Genuine chocolate face."

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A response to that comment, allegedly sent by the 32-year-old, read: "Thought I'd have a better chance with the blacks."

On Monday evening, a BOA spokesperson announced: "The British Olympic Association has been made aware of an image published on a social media platform and is investigating the matter."

One day later, the BOA confirmed that Wilson-Hardy had been sent home from the Paris Games "on medical grounds" amid an ongoing investigation.

Abi Burton, a reserve for the 2024 Olympics after being selected for Tokyo 2020, officially replaced Wilson-Hardy for Team GB's remaining placement matches.

A spokesperson said: "The British Olympic Association has confirmed that Amy Wilson-Hardy has been withdrawn on medical grounds from the Paris 2024 rugby sevens placement matches and will be replaced by Tokyo 2020 Olympian Abi Burton.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."

Shortly after the announcement, Team GB followed up their 17-7 quarter-final defeat to the USA by losing 19-15 against China in their first placement match.

The Brits later beat Ireland 28-12 to confirm a seventh-place finish in Paris, completing a disappointing showing this summer.

Wilson-Hardy - who has made 10 appearances and scored 40 points for England since her 2013 debut - has yet to make a comment on the situation.

From West Sussex, she started her professional rugby career by spending eight years at Bristol Ladies from 2010 to 2018.

During that stint, Wilson-Hardy was called up to represent Team GB's rugby sevens side in Rio de Janeiro in 2016, finishing fourth.

The centre or winger then enjoyed five years at Wasps before joining Trailfinders Women in 2023.

Wilson-Hardy was part of the England squad that won bronze at the 2018 Commonwealth Games on Australia's Gold Coast and contributed to Great Britain's gold at the 2023 European Games in Poland.