Following the emergence of the new Covid-19 variant in South Africa and the country being put on the UK’s red travel list, Scarlets have been working tirelessly to secure travel back to the UK for our players and staff.
Together with our colleagues at Cardiff Rugby, we had hoped to fly out of South Africa on Friday – following the postponement of our United Rugby Championship matches against Cell C Sharks and Vodacom Bulls – but unfortunately we have been unable to gain clearance from the Civil Aviation Authority due to the closure of borders in both the UK and European Union.
We would like to reassure families, friends and our supporters that players, coaches and staff are all well and we thank everyone for their messages of concern and well wishes over the last 24 hours.
All members of our travelling party have returned negative PCR tests and strict Covid protocols are being adhered to at the team hotel. The health and wellbeing of the group is our utmost priority.
Further updates will be provided in due course.