Health Secretary Sajid Javid says the UK Government will not do anything to help Cardiff and the Scarlets get back from South Africa.
The two Welsh regions, who were in the country for two rounds of United Rugby Championship matches, are looking to return home as soon as possible.
That follows the decision by the Westminster Government to add South Africa to the Covid red list from 12 noon today because of a worrying new variant.
Anyone arriving in the UK from that country after 4am on Sunday will have to quarantine in a hotel for 10 days, while those returning before then are being asked to isolate at home.
You can follow live updates of all the latest developments here.
Newport West Labour MP Ruth Jones raised the predicament facing Cardiff and the Scarlets with Javid in the House of Commons today.
She said: “What assistance has been given to them to get them home ahead of the deadline?"
Mr Javid replied: “I understand whether it’s sports teams or the thousands of British tourists and others that currently find themselves in South Africa, Botswana and these countries.
“This is very difficult news but I hope they will understand. Indeed I had messages today from people that are in South Africa and it has made their life more difficult going back home, but they fully understand and support the action that has been taken.”
He added: “As for her particular question around the team and what can be done to try and get them back before this deadline... Nothing.
“We won’t do anything to help them get back before this deadline because I think anyone who is in South Africa, the best thing to do is to come back, and after 4am on Sunday go into hotel quarantine.”
