Rhys McClenaghan banned from competing at Commonwealth Games

Three Northern Ireland gymnasts including Rhys McClenaghan have been told they will not be allowed to compete at this summer's Commonwealth Games.

A ruling from the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) has determined that McClenaghan, Eamon Montgomery and Ewan McAteer cannot represent Northern Ireland in Birmingham.

Commonwealth Games NI says it will challenge the decision which it described as "incomprehensible".

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The body - which was notified on Thursday - said the ruling had been made because the gymnasts represent Ireland in FIG events.

Co Down star McClenaghan was set to defend his Pommel Horse title after he won Northern Ireland's only gold at the 2018 Games on the Gold Coast, where Lisburn's McAteer also competed.

In a statement, Commonwealth Games NI said: "Our immediate concern is the wellbeing of the three athletes and their coaches.

"Appropriate support is being offered while we collectively agree a course of action to challenge this ruling. It should be noted that both Rhys and Ewan competed for Northern Ireland at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, with Rhys winning a Gold medal on Pommel.

"All three athletes were born in Northern Ireland, and have parents born in Northern Ireland, but yet they have been told that they are ineligible to compete for Northern Ireland. This is apparently because they compete routinely for Ireland at FIG tournaments. Northern Ireland does not take part in such tournaments.

"Historically, TeamNI at all Commonwealth Games has included athletes across a range of sports who have chosen to represent either IRL or GBR at European Championships, World Championships and Olympic Games. We even have