Thirty four players and staff allowed to leave South Africa after receiving negative results on Tuesday; a further four positive tests also announced; fourteen players and staff will remain in Cape Town to isolate
Last Updated: 01/12/21 11:00am
Most of Munster’s playing and backroom staff are on their way back from
South Africa after being stranded in Cape Town due to the discovery of the new Omicron coronavirus variant.
The Irish provincial team announced on Tuesday night that a further four members of the touring party had tested positive, adding to the 10 already confirmed. They will remain in South Africa until the end of their isolation periods.
However, they also confirmed that 34 players and staff left Cape Town after receiving negative results from a fourth round of PCR testing in six days.
When fresh travel restrictions were imposed on South Africa, Munster and Cardiff had hoped to join the Scarlets and Zebre Parma in leaving the country on Sunday aboard a charter flight before positive cases caused a hold-up.
Cardiff have revealed plans to travel to quarantine accommodation in England on Thursday. Munster personnel will isolate at home on their return to Ireland.
#MunsterInSA ??
A group of 34 #MunsterRugby players & staff departed Cape Town tonight having received negative results after completing a 4th round of PCR testing in six days.
Read a full travel update ?https://t.co/skwVyujmGW#URC #SUAF ? pic.twitter.com/Ovc2KysKZW
A Munster statement read: “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 well-being 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.
“Again, we wish to take this opportunity to thank the Irish government, the IRFU, South Africa Rugby, UR, and the health authorities for their assistance, in particular with regards to facilitating the safe return of our staff and players.”