Cardiff Rugby have successfully departed South Africa this morning and are due to arrive at London Heathrow, via Dublin, tonight.
The travelling party of 42, have all returned negative PCR results on five consecutive days since South Africa was placed on the UK red list following the emergence of the Omnicron Covid-19 variant.
After arriving at Heathrow they will begin a 10-day quarantine in an approved hotel in London.
Six individuals, comprising of players and backroom staff, who returned positive tests will remain in Cape Town.
The club would like to express their sincere thanks to a number of organisations and key individuals, who have played a key role in the repatriation of the Blue and Blacks.
Secretary of State for Wales, Simon Hart, and his team, particularly Jack Sellers, expedited the club’s plight to central UK Government following yesterday’s set-back. This played an invaluable role in the coordination of our return, with the Wales Office working tirelessly with our CEO until a solution was found to this complex situation.
Thanks must also be paid to Cardiff Central MP Jo Stephens and Llanelli MP Nia Griffiths, who have been a constant source of support and advice throughout the past week.
Our colleagues at the United Rugby Championship, Welsh Rugby Union and South African Rugby Union, plus the Scarlets, have also worked tirelessly to secure the travelling group’s safe return.
Finally Chapman Freeborn Airchartering , Tourvest, Southern Sun The Cullinan and our ground support in South Africa, particularly Chris Brothers.
While we are grateful to confirm the departure of 42 players and staff today, attention now turns solely to the six who have been forced to stay in South Africa.
They remain in good health, and are receiving the best possible care and support necessary. We hope to repatriate them to the UK as soon as possible and are also grateful to Rhondda MP Chris Bryant for raising their plight in Parliament.