The Vodacom Bulls were the first of the South African URC Clubs to cancel the local URC Matches - VODACOM UNITED RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP MATCHES STATUS - As part of endeavours to keep you informed as best, we can, please note that the VURC game between Vodacom Bulls and Munster will not be taking place on Saturday 27 November as originally planned. The game against Scarlets scheduled for Friday 3 December will also not take place. We will keep you updated as and when we receive any formal information and correspondence from the URC. PS: Please note that we will refund all ticket purchases for these 2 matches. The process regarding refunds will be communicated shortly.
The Vodacom Bulls, DHL Stormers as well as the Cell C Sharks have put their team announcements on hold until they have further clarity around matches in the United Rugby Championship this weekend. South Africa was once again added to the UK government’s travel red list after the emergence of a new Cocid-19 variant was announced by the South African Government.
Munster latest tweeted - "We all are safe & well in Pretoria. We are working with URC on the ongoing situation relating to Covid-19 & will provide an update once we know more".
Cardiff who is set to face the Emirates Lions on Sunday in Johannesburg before travelling to Cape Town next week announced on Twitter that "With the situation in South Africa having changed so quickly, we are now looking to repatriate our staff ASAP. For concerned families and friends, please rest assured that our focus is to ensure the safety and welfare of our people and will keep you updated with any developments."
The Scarlets are scheduled to play the Cell C Sharks this weekend and thereafter set to play the Vodacom Bulls next weekend. "Following the news of a new COVID-19 variant in South Africa, Scarlets would like to assure families and friends that we are making every effort to get our touring party back home to the UK as soon as possible. We will provide further updates as soon as we can."
Munster and Zebre have not made any statements regarding their game scheduled as of yet.