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Cardiff flying home after fourth attempt to leave South Africa

By PA
Josh Turnbull /Getty Images

Cardiff are set to arrive back in the UK on Friday night after finally leaving South Africa.

The travelling party of 42 was given the green light to leave Cape Town after returning negative PCR results on five consecutive days since South Africa was placed on the UK red list following the emergence of the Omicron Covid-19 variant.

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After arriving at Heathrow via Dublin, they will begin a 10-day quarantine in an approved hotel in London.

It is the club’s fourth attempt to leave South Africa. Their planned departure on Thursday morning was foiled when their landing slot was withdrawn.

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Six members of the playing and backroom staff who returned positive tests will remain in Cape Town.

A statement from the club said: “While we are grateful to confirm the departure of 42 players and staff today, attention now turns solely to the six who have been forced to stay in South Africa.

“They remain in good health and are receiving the best possible care and support necessary.

“We hope to repatriate them to the UK as soon as possible and are also grateful to Rhondda MP Chris Bryant for raising their plight in Parliament.”

Cardiff are due to play defending champions Toulouse in the European Champions Cup at The Arms Park on Saturday week and intend to field a team comprised of academy players, reserves and Wales internationals who did not travel to South Africa.

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European Professional Club Rugby has relaxed player registration rules in response to the plight of four sides who found themselves stranded in South Africa, but stressed that there are no spare weekends to accommodate postponements.

The majority of players and staff from Munster and Zebre have since returned to Ireland and Italy respectively to complete their periods of isolation but the Scarlets remain in a quarantine hotel just outside Belfast.

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johnz 40 minutes ago
'Let's not sugarcoat it': Former All Black's urgent call to protect eligibility rules

This is such a devisive issue in New Zealand, Razor is a brave man; people tend to take polarising stands of all or nothing positions. I suspect there's a balanced compromise, if people are able to discuss the pros and cons rationally. There are good arguments from both sides of the debate, and as with all controversial issues, the solution is rarely black and white.


But let's take the Barrett vs Mounga debate, a topic that never grows old. I think some context is in order when Barrett is proclaimed as "loyal", while it seems to be insinuated that Mo'unga is not.


A little history is needed regarding Barrett's loyalty - so far he has had 2 (or 3?) sabbaticals, which are really just overseas-based All Black's by stealth. Since he left the Hurricanes, he's 'been a bit part player at the Blues at best, while his performances at SR level have left plenty to be desired. As of last season, he quit NZ Rugby for Japan. It's concievable the rise of Mounga played a part in that decision, while Mounga's subsequent departure appears to have played a part in BB's return.


Prior to returning, BB tried to negotiate a contract to be the 1st official overseas-based player. So loyal? Maybe. Opportunistic? Probably. It's clear Barrett's first instinct was not commitment and sacrifice to the coalface of Super Rugby.


I don't recall a Mo'unga being awarded a sabatical at all, and he has been a far bigger contributor than Barrett has at Super Rugby level for quite some time. Perhaps NZR just didn't value Mo'unga enough to bend the rules the same as they have for Barrett?


NZR have always massaged the rules for Barrett and expended a lot of financial resources to keep his services. At the same time, our player depth get's stripped away, as premier SR players, such as Plumber and Burke, take off for better pay cheques elsewhere.


Personally, I wouldn't mind if the big wage bill for a few aging stars like Barrett are shared with Japan. I'm not convinced Barrett's adding much at SR level and the money could be used elsewhere. Just as long as there's no guarantee of a jersey for such marque players, I don't see a big issue.

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