Update on Munster, Scarlets, Cardiff's return from South Africa
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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.
The team also confirmed that 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," said Munster in a statement.
"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."
Meanwhile, Cardiff Rugby plan to depart Cape Town on Thursday morning after the club secured a charter flight and quarantine accommodation in England.
"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," said the team in their latest update.
"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."
Prior to the announcement, Cardiff Rugby's chief operating officer Rhys Blumberg slammed the Welsh Government for their "appalling empathy".
Absolutely appalling empathy and support shown by @WelshGovernment with regards to @Cardiff_Rugby staff who are stuck in South Africa.
— Rhys Blumberg (@rhysblumberg) November 30, 2021
No special treatment requested, just support to get them back on Welsh soil so they can start their quarantine. @PrifWeinidog @Eluned_Morgan
Scarlets also received a letter from the Welsh Government’s Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport, confirming that they must see out the remainder of their Covid-19 quarantine period in Belfast.
The travelling party of 47 have been at the government managed facility since early Monday morning following their return from South Africa and will complete the designated 10-day isolation period in Northern Ireland, which ends on Friday, December 10.
