South Africa resume training after Covid scare

South Africa players have been cleared to resume training after they returned negative in the latest round of Covid testing.

The training was suspended on Sunday after three players scrum-half Herschel Jantjies, prop Vincent Koch and wing S'bu Nkosi were reported positive for Covid-19 creating doubts over their participation in the two-game series against Georgia and the clashes against British and Irish Lions to follow.

Nevertheless, a statement from South Africa Rugby confirmed that a second Test ensured Jantjies was negative along with the rest of the squad members and were cleared to resume training.

"Three players tested positive for Covid-19 on Sunday following real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests on arrival at the team hotel in Johannesburg. However, Herschel Jantjies has subsequently been cleared and can return to training," read a statement.

"In light of this, as well as the strict precautionary measures taken by the team and the effective isolation protocols since the squad assembled, the Springboks can resume their training programme from Monday afternoon."

The Springboks will face Georgia twice on 2nd and 9th July in Pretoria and Johannesburg respectively.

The World Champions will then face the British and Irish Lions on a three-game series on 24th July, 31st July and 7th August with FNB Stadium, Cape Town Stadium and Ellis Park Stadium being the venues.