The British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa has been placed under further threat after one of the touring group’s members tested positive for the coronavirus on Thursday.
It was the first positive case for the Lions since they arrived in South Africa, and their management confirmed that the person, and four close contacts including two players, have been placed in isolation at the team hotel.
As it stands, their tour match against the Sharks on Wednesday night in Johannesburg is still going ahead, though with a time delay, as they await the results of PCR tests conducted on the entire squad.
“We have followed all necessary precautions since the start of the Tour, which included regular testing and rigorous COVID-19 counter measure planning and protocols,” said Ben Calveley, Managing Director for the British & Irish Lions.
“Our priority is to ensure the health and safety of the entire touring party, which is why we quickly isolated the players and staff upon receiving the news of the positive result.
“Everyone has subsequently been lateral flow and PCR tested. The Medical Advisory Group await the results of the PCR testing in order to make a decision on tonight’s game.
“The five individuals effected will be monitored closely during isolation and receive the best possible medical attention as we await the results of their PCR tests.
The Lions have already had one tour match postponed, against the Bulls on Saturday, after the Gauteng side recorded five positive cases. That game could be moved to Cape Town later in the month.
South Africa’s squad , meanwhile, has been hard hit by the virus, with their second Test against Georgia on Friday called off on Wednesday, with 12 cases in their camp and four in Georgia’s.