FORMER Springboks test prop Robbie Kempson has been ruled out of making a surprise appearance for Counties-Manukau in this year’s NPC rugby competition. NPC rules and an injury to Kempson have dashed Counties-Manukau’s hopes of Kempson replacing Lee Lidgard, who suffered a prolapsed disc in his neck during the Ranfurly Shield challenge against Waikato a fortnight ago. Kempson, who played for the Stormers in the Super 12 this year and South Africa last year, was to have arrived in Pukekohe this week. “He was going to come, but the NPC rules mean provinces can’t get an outside recruit after the fourth round of the competition, which is this weekend,” Counties-Manukau coach Mac McCallion said Thursday.