Munster touring party head home leaving 14 in isolation

The wider Munster touring party departed Cape Town last night after receiving negative results on their fourth round of PCR testing, but have left 14 members behind after testing positive.

A total of 34 members of the party are expected to arrive in Dublin this evening, but the 14 that have returned positive tests will finish their isolation periods at the designated quarantine hotel in Cape Town.

"In a hugely positive development the wider Munster Rugby 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," a Munster statement said.

"Team management worked tirelessly on securing scheduled flights at short notice and the group are expected to land in Dublin on Wednesday evening.

"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. 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."

Munster's game against the Bulls was cancelled last Saturday, as has this weekend's match against the Lions, after travel restrictions were put in place in the UK and EU after the detection of the Omicron variant of Covid-19 in South Africa.

Munster travel to Wasps in the opening round of the Heineken Champions Cup on December 11, and so far there are no plans to postpone any matches.