Munster's URC clash against the Bulls has been cancelled it has been announced.
The Irish side travelled to Pretoria to prepare for the clash against their South African opponents and were set to face the Lions a week later.
But the tie has now been shelved with Munster set to fly home from South Africa as soon as possible. The squad returned negative PCR test results in the latest routine testing.
A new Covid-19 variant has been discovered in Southern Africa and Hong Kong and has led to a UK travel ban on six Southern African countries with the European Union expected to quickly follow suit.
A statement read: "Due to the sudden developments connected with the new COVID-19 variant (B.1.1.529) that have immediately placed South Africa on the UK and EU travel red lists, the scheduled Round 6 and 7 United Rugby Championship fixtures set to take place in South Africa over the next two weekends have been postponed and will be rescheduled later this season.
"URC noted the safety and well-being of our participating clubs’ players, coaches and support staff and match officials is the foremost priority, and the URC is currently working with the four visiting clubs – Cardiff Rugby, Munster Rugby, Scarlets and Zebre Parma – to facilitate their return as soon as possible.
"This decision is based upon the latest guidance against non-essential travel to and from South Africa, the ban on direct flights to the UK and other home destinations and the potential hotel quarantines enforced upon those returning from South Africa."
Munster had previously provided a positive update from South Africa, saying they are 'safe & well'.
They said earlier on Friday: "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 #MunsterInSA"
A number of Irish golfers pulled up of the Joburg Open which is also taking place in South Africa.
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