Munster SA Update | Majority of Munster squad are given green light to return home

Sports Minister Jack Chambers has given the province permission to return to Ireland while one positive case and one close contact will have to remain in South Africa.

Munster have endured a difficult couple of days to the postponement of their round six and seven games of the URC which were set to be played in South Africa. The emergence of the B.1.1.529 variant of Covid-19 has forced Munster so arrange imminent travel home upon the announcement of the postponed fixtures.

During a round of routine PCR testing over the weekend, one positive case emerged within the camp with one close contact also identified. Sports Minister Jack Chambers has given the squad and staff permission to return to Ireland immediately, with the one condition that the recipient of the positive test and their close contact remain in the South African city of Cape Town.

Munster Head Coach Johann van Graan shared his thoughts on what has been a difficult few days for both him and his squad.

“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.

“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.”

Munster Head Coach Johann Van Graan

Munster now await the results of their most recent round of PCR testing before arranging transport home. Upon arrival, the squad will be subject to 10 days of mandatory quarantine and two negative PCR tests each before re-entering society and returning to training.

Meanwhile at the HPC in UL, Greencore Academy Manager Ian Costello and staff are overseeing the training schedule for the Academy group and returning internationals as preparations continue for Munster’s opening Champions Cup game against Wasps in December.

Munster face Wasps in their first game of the Heineken Champions Cup at the Coventry Building Society Arena on December 12th, with kick-off at 3:15pm.