Cardiff and Munster to return home after Covid issues

Planet Rugby

Cardiff and most of the Munster squad will return to the UK and Ireland within the next few days after the postponement of the United Rugby Championship matches in South Africa.

The teams have been stranded in Cape Town since South Africa was recently put back on the UK government’s travel red list.

Departure plans halted

On Sunday, Cardiff had planned to join Italian outfit Zebre Parma aboard a charter flight to leave South Africa but were halted due to two positive Covid-19 tests.

Munster was also delayed by several Covid cases amongst the squad, with the latest round of PCR testing on Tuesday returning four positive tests within the group. That means 14 members of the Irish province’s original travel party will now complete a 10-day quarantine in South Africa before returning home.

However, both clubs still had positive news, with Cardiff confirming that negative players and staff will return to the UK on Thursday and quarantine for 10 days in a government hotel.

A statement from the Welsh club read: “Cardiff Rugby plan to depart Cape Town on Thursday morning after the club secured a charter flight and quarantine accommodation in England.

“The Blue and Blacks’ travelling contingent, which includes 15 full Welsh internationals, had been left stranded in the city after South Africa was placed on the UK’s red list and borders were closed to arrivals from six countries on the continent – now 10 in Wales.

“It had been hoped they would be able to depart on a flight with Munster Rugby, Scarlets and Zebre Parma on Sunday, but two positive cases ruled out the departure.

“However, working in collaboration with the United Rugby Championship and the Welsh Rugby Union, a charter flight has been confirmed for Thursday morning. Upon arrival in England, Wales’ capital city club will then begin a 10-day period of isolation in a UK Government Covid-19 hotel.

“Those remaining in South Africa will undertake 10 days quarantine in a South African Covid-19 hotel and will be repatriated to the UK as soon as possible.

“Cardiff Rugby would like to thank the URC, WRU and government agencies in South Africa for their support at this difficult time.”

Meanwhile, the remainder of Munster’s squad are expected to arrive in Dublin on Wednesday evening, however, the group of 14 will still remain in Cape Town.

“In a hugely positive development the wider Munster touring party departed Cape Town tonight after a group of 34 players and staff received negative results on completing a fourth round of PCR testing in six days,” read a statement on Munster’s official website.

“Team management worked tirelessly on securing scheduled flights at short notice and the group are expected to land in Dublin on Wednesday evening.

“Another four positive cases were identified in Tuesday’s round of PCR testing and a total group of 14 will see out their respective isolation periods at the designated quarantine hotel in Cape Town.

“This is a difficult time for all players and staff involved and we are very mindful of their wellbeing and the understandable concern from family and friends at home. The group will be well looked after with team liaisons Warren Morris and Kubaan Lorens remaining on site with medical support provided daily.

“As outlined by the government earlier this week, on arrival from South Africa the returning players and staff will follow mandatory self-isolation at their own locations.”