Sport in brief: Semenya told to wait until June for ruling that could let her run
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Your support makes all the difference.Athletics: Caster Semenya may have declared her intention to pick up the threads of her career as a world-beating 800m runner but the South African teenager learnt yesterday that she must wait until the International Association of Athletics Federations have completed their investigation into her extraordinary case.
Athletics South Africa, the governing body of track and field in Semenya's homeland, said they would not allow the 19-year-old to compete until the results of her gender verification tests have been finalised by the IAAF. Richard Stander, spokesman for Athletics South Africa, said: "The IAAF have said the scientific team is due to report back in June, so we are waiting for that."
The IAAF have not formally placed Semenya under suspension but have asked Athletics South Africa to keep her out of the competitive arena until the question of her future has been decided. After being barred from a meeting in Stellenbosch on Tuesday, Semenya vented her frustration at the delay in her case, proclaiming that she would be returning to competition in time for the European summer season and saying that the matter had "dragged on for far too long".
Stander defended the global governing body. "The IAAF has not been shying away from its responsibilities," he said. Simon Turnbull
Smith returns in time for Headingley derby
Rugby League: Lee Smith goes straight back into the sport's deep end tonight after one of the shortest rugby union careers on record. The England back rejoined his old club, Leeds, yesterday on a contract running through to the end of the 2013 season and went straight into the injury-hit champions' squad to face Bradford. "I can't wait to get a game under my belt," Lee said. "It has been frustrating, because all players just want to play rugby." Smith played first-team rugby just once for Wasps after signing for them following last autumn's Four Nations.
"Unfortunately things didn't work out for me at Wasps, but I'm grateful to them for allowing me to come home," he said. Leeds have wasted no time in registering Smith with the Rugby League so that he can play in tonight's derby at Headingley. Leeds have been struggling with injuries but are due to have Brett Delaney, Kylie Leuluai and Kevin Sinfield back in action tonight, while Ryan Bailey avoided suspension at the RFL's hearing this week. Dave Hadfield
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