Munster provide latest update in Cape Town Covid-19 saga

Munster have confirmed that 34 players and staff have arrived in Ireland having left Cape Town last night.

The 14 players who tested positive for Covid-19 after the latest round of PCR tests have remained in South Africa, however. Those that have arrived in Ireland will now undergo mandatory self-isolation and PCR testing with a clash with Wasps on December 12 in the Heineken Champions Cup on the horizon.

A Munster statement reads: "34 Munster Rugby players and staff have arrived home to Ireland after departing South Africa last night thanks to the invaluable assistance of Mark Pinsent and his team at our Official Travel Partner, Rugby Travel Ireland.

"As outlined by the government earlier this week, they will now follow mandatory self-isolation and PCR testing at their own locations.

"Our thoughts continue to be with the 14 players and staff of Munster Rugby who remain at the designated quarantine hotel in Cape Town and are doing well.

"The many well wishes and messages of support for the remaining players and staff are greatly appreciated.

"We would like to wish our URC colleagues at Cardiff Rugby all the best as they plan to depart South Africa on Thursday morning.

"In squad news, Munster’s senior and Academy players who didn’t travel to South Africa have been training since Monday along with a number of the province’s NTS (National Talent Squad) and PTS (Provincial Talent Squad) members at the High Performance Centre.

"Greencore Munster Rugby Academy Manager Ian Costello and staff are overseeing the training schedule as preparations continue for Munster’s opening Champions Cup game against Wasps on Sunday, December 12.

"EPCR are aware of the situation and in contact with the province."