Munster in race to get out of South Africa as Champions Cup opener against Wasps in doubt

The UK’s decision to place South Africa and four neighbouring countries on its 'Red List' for travel restrictions on Thursday evening set in train a chain of events that led to the URC postponing the next two rounds of matches

The Munster team arrive at their training facility in Pretoria earlier this week. Picture: INPHO/Gordon Arons

Munster’s ability to field a competitive side in their Heineken Champions Cup pool opener at Wasps on December 12 has been thrown into serious doubt with efforts to evacuate the squad from South Africa likely to stretch into early next week, sources close to the situation have told the Irish Examiner.

In more innocent times, B1.1.529 may have been mistaken for an elaborate lineout call but as the latest variant of the Covid-19 virus it poses an even bigger danger for the four United Rugby Championship sides looking to get home to Europe this weekend.