Munster get green light to leave SA

UPDATE: The majority of Munster's squad have been given the green light to return to Ireland.

This latest development was revealed by Ireland's Sports Minister Jack Chambers on Monday.

Chambers said the player that tested positive for Covid-19 and once close contact will remain in Cape Town to continue their isolation.

Munster were set to face the Bulls in Pretoria in Round Six. However, all United Rugby Championship matches in South Africa was postponed on Friday due to the emergence of a Covid-19 variant.

"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," Chambers told RTE.

"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."

In a squad update, it was revealed that the players and staff will undergo another round of PCR testing on Monday.

"This has been a whirlwind of a time and we are very grateful to the people in the background who are helping us during this challenging period, and for all the best wishes we are receiving," said Munster head coach Johann van Graan.

"We have one player in a different hotel who is doing as well as possible after receiving a positive PCR result, while the remainder of the group are isolating individually at the team hotel.

"Work is ongoing with all relevant authorities in securing our return to Ireland at a time when safe and appropriate but for now our priority is to look after our players and staff.

"While this is a time of uncertainty for all involved, we are doing everything possible to support our people."

Munster along with Welsh sides Cardiff and Scarlets and Italian side Zebre, were all set to depart Cape Town on Sunday via a charter flight.

However, Munster's trip was delayed due to that positive case.

Cardiff also remained in Cape Town after they confirmed that they have two positive cases in their squad on Sunday.

Both squads will have to isolate for 10 days when they do return home.

Source: RTE & BBC