Springboks Cancel Training As Three Players Return Positive COVID-19 Tests
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Positive.
The Springboks have cancelled Sunday’s planned training session in Johannesburg as a precautionary measure when scheduled testing protocols returned three positive COVID-19 test results when the team assembled on Saturday.
Three players tested positive for the virus following stringent real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing procedures on arrival at the team base.
Team management immediately put the squad into self-isolation as a precaution until specialist medical advice is sought from the Castle Lager Lions Series Medical Advisory Group (MAG).
A decision on further team activities will be made shortly.
SA Rugby Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus emphasised that the team had followed all the necessary precautions since the start of the three-week conditioning camp hosted in Bloemfontein, which included mandatory COVID-19 testing three times a week, and that they would be led by specialist advice before any action is taken.
The British and Irish Lions will fly into South Africa this evening with reports suggesting they may look to move the entire tour, or at least the three Tests to Cape Town to ensure the tour can go ahead in full.