Covid-19 in the Springbok camp

The Springboks cancelled today’s (Sunday) training session in Johannesburg after a round of testing returned three positive Covid-19 results.  

The timing is less than ideal as the British & Irish Lions tour is set to kick off next weekend as Warren Gatland and his charges board the plane this evening. 

The Springbok squad and management were immediately put into isolation and a decision on the way forward is still forthcoming. 

Director of Rugby, Rassie Erasmus, stressed that the team has followed protocol since the commencement of the 3-week training camp and will follow medical advice from here on out. 

The Springboks, who have not played a test since the 2019 World Cup final, are due to play Georgia next Friday in the first of a two-test series.

The following statement was released:

“The Springboks cancelled Sunday’s planned training session in Johannesburg as a precautionary measure when scheduled testing protocols returned three positive COVID-19 test results when the team assembled on Saturday.

“Three players tested positive for the virus following stringent real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing procedures on arrival at the team base.

“Team management immediately put the squad into self-isolation as a precaution until specialist medical advice is sought from the Castle Lager Lions Series Medical Advisory Group (MAG).

“A decision on further team activities will be made shortly.

“SA Rugby director of rugby Rassie Erasmus emphasised that the team had followed all the necessary precautions since the start of the three-week conditioning camp hosted in Bloemfontein, which included mandatory COVID-19 testing three times a week, and that they would be led by specialist advice before any action is taken.”