Majority of Munster squad cleared to depart South Africa

The majority of the Munster squad have been cleared to depart South Africa and return to Ireland.  

The presence of a new variant of Covid-19 had spooked the tourists who were due to tackle the Bulls at Loftus Versveld this past weekend. Instead, however, they (as well as Cardiff Rugby) elected to rather head home as concern mounted in SA. 

Munster were due to leave on Sunday before a positive Covid test was returned from the squad. Two players will thus remain behind to observe an isolation period while the rest will be repatriated soon. 

"The South African health authorities have given approval for the rest of the Munster panel and wider squad to return home, so there is active work ongoing now to allow Munster to get home," Irish sports minister Jack Chambers said. 

"There is intensive work ongoing at the moment to get them home as quickly as possible but, as you know, there are difficulties in the travel situation in southern Africa at the moment." 

Munster’s next clash is scheduled to take place on 12 December against Wasps as they initiate their 2021-22 Champions Cup campaign.