Remaining Cardiff squad finally heading home

Planet Rugby 10 Dec 2021 8:48 AM

General view of Cardiff Arms Park during the Guinness Women's Six Nations match at Cardiff Arms Park, Cardiff.

Cardiff have confirmed that the rest of their squad are currently in the process of returning home from South Africa.

Following the cancellation of two United Rugby Championship fixtures, they announced plans to head back to Wales.

Dai Young’s men delayed their return, however, after six members of the playing and backroom staff had positive tests for Covid-19.

A travelling party of 42 finally left South Africa last Friday after testing negative but the other six had to isolate in Cape Town.

Second period of isolation

“One player has already arrived in the United Kingdom, three are currently in transit and the remaining two individuals will depart Cape Town on Friday,” Cardiff said in a statement on the club’s official website.

“While the club are pleased to repatriate the individuals, they must now enter a second 10-day period of isolation at a Government approved hotel, having already quarantined for 10 days at a South African Covid-19 facility.

“Cardiff Rugby continue to work with its partners in discussing this matter with the UK Government’s Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).

“This is a situation which impacts hundreds of people returning from red list countries, who have already served a 10-day quarantine following a positive Covid-19 test.

“We are seeking clarification from DCMS as to why a second quarantine is required for the individuals in this unique situation.

“The main priority of Cardiff Rugby remains to support the health and wellbeing of our people and we will continue to work alongside the relevant parties to deliver the best outcome.”

Cardiff’s Champions Cup game against reigning champions Toulouse on Saturday will go ahead as scheduled.

Wales internationals such as Josh Adams, Tomos Williams, Ellis Jenkins, Dillon Lewis and Seb Davies are available as they did not travel to South Africa for their postponed United Rugby Championship match.

The Cardiff line-up will also include a number of academy players and semi-professionals, with academy manager Gruff Rees heading up the coaching team.

Fellow Welsh side the Scarlets currently have 32 players in quarantine at a Belfast hotel.

The Scarlets have forfeited their weekend game against Bristol.

Tournament organisers European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) have confirmed a 28-0 scoreline in Bristol’s favour and an award of five match points to the Premiership club.

Ellis Jenkins and the meaning of 42

For many people, 42 is the answer, to the ultimate question of Life, the Universe and Everything. For Cardiff Rugby, it’s a more simple question: how many players and staff are you missing on the opening European weekend?

Jenkins was among a handful of Cardiff’s Wales internationals who did not travel to South Africa a fortnight ago, for what should have been a normal round of United Rugby Championship fixtures. Within a couple of days of their arrival, South Africa became a UK Government red-listed country following the discovery of a new coronavirus variant.

Cardiff, the Scarlets, Munster and Zebre Parma were stranded when the restrictions kicked in, before eventually securing charter flights home, but with some players unfortunately infected and others required by law to quarantine, Cardiff saw their European dreams all but dashed.

“Realistically, we were underdogs when this fixture was announced, if we are being honest with ourselves,” flanker Jenkins said. “With all the situation that is going on, the pressure is off us completely.

“And sport is strange sometimes. It doesn’t always play out as it should. We have still got some stardust across our team.”