Munster players and staff members arrive in Ireland

Munster have confirmed that the players and staff members have arrived in Ireland last night from South Africa.

The squad was left stranded in Cape Town after initially a player was tested positive for Covid-19 and later 13 more players and staff also was confirmed the virus.

The province confirmed that all the 14 members 'are doing well' while the rest of the 34 members were cleared to leave South Africa and now will undergo 10-day quarantine period.

Munster, along with Cardiff Rugby, Zebre and Scarlets were in South Africa for the United Rugby Championship games which was cancelled due to concerns over the new variant of the coronavirus.

"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," the province said in a statement.

"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, 12 December."

Munster are set to face face Wasps in the upcoming European Champions Cup game on 12th December and the club said they are in touch with the tournament organisers.

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