Welsh rugby teams stuck in South Africa due to new travel restrictions
A new Covid-19 variant has caused the UK to suspend flights
Last updated 26th Nov 2021
The UK's new travel restrictions, imposed due to a new Covid-19 variant, has left two Welsh rugby teams stuck in South Africa.
Cardiff Blues and Scarlets, a team from Llanelli, were set to play United Rugby Championship fixtures over the weekend.
The UK Government's announced it's added 6 countries to the Red Travel List over concerns about the spread of a new coronavirus variant.
Travel restrictions have been placed on Namibia, Lesotho, Botswana, Eswatini as well as South Africa, where the Welsh sides were due to play United Rugby Championship fixtures.
It means staff and players are struggling to get home and are set to face quarantine when they arrive.
The Scarlets were due to face Durban-based side Sharks tomorrow in their United Rugby Championship clash, while the Blues were to meet Johannesburg side Lions on Sunday.
The United Rugby Championship has since postponed the fixtures in light of the new B.1.1.529 Covid variant, with round 6 and 7 fixtures to be rescheduled.