Rhys McClenaghan denied chance to defend Commonwealth Games title

Rhys McClenaghan has been barred from defending his Commonwealth Games gold medal (Danny Lawson/PA)

Rhys McClenaghan has been barred from defending his gymnastics title at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in a shock ruling by the sport’s international ruling body.

The 22-year-old and two Northern Ireland team-mates have been told they are ineligible to compete in the event later this year because they routinely represent Ireland in worldwide Federation Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG) competitions.