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Springboks hotel bomb scare revealed

By Online Editors
Jesse Kriel during the South African national rugby team captains run. Photo by Steve Haag/Gallo Images/Getty Images

The Daily Mail have revealed that South Africa's team hotel was evacuated the day before their 20-11 defeat to Wales after a bomb scare.

During South Africa's captain's run on Friday a suspect package was found at the team hotel, which was eventually dismissed as a false alarm after a ticking clock was discovered in a squad member's laundry.

It prompted a serious safety concern and the Cardiff Hilton was subsequently evacuated. Police made their way down to the stadium where the team was training and took three players back to the hotel.

After searching the hotel, police discovered a burka outfit reportedly belonging to Springbok midfielder Jesse Kriel, raising further suspicion.

According to The Daily Mail, Kriel had bought it to wear during a night out after Saturday's match.

The South Africa squad were warned by police and no further action was taken.

A Hilton Hotel statement read: "At 2pm on Friday, November 23, there was an incident where our housekeeping team discovered a suspicious package in one of the bedrooms.

"She notified hotel management and, as per our protocol, we evacuated bedrooms above and below the floor in question and contacted the police immediately.

"They investigated promptly and, fortunately, quickly gave the all-clear.

"Our guests' safety is naturally of paramount importance, but we are sorry for any inconvenience, and we're grateful to South Wales Police for their swift response."

Both the Springboks and South Wales Police are yet to comment.

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