Cardiff and the majority of the Munster squad are expected to return to the UK and Ireland in the next couple of days following the postponement of their Vodacom United Rugby Championship matches in South Africa.

Both teams have been stuck in Cape Town after South Africa was added to the UK government’s travel red list.

Cardiff had hoped to join Italian side Zebre in leaving South Africa on a charter flight on Sunday, but two positive Covid-19 tests stopped that.

Munster also had their departure delayed by positive tests within the squad. The latest round of PCR testing on Tuesday returned four more positive results in the group, which means 14 members of the original travelling party will complete 10 days of quarantine in South Africa before returning to Ireland.

However, there was positive news for both clubs, as Cardiff confirmed in a statement that players and staff who are negative will return to the UK on a charter plane on Thursday and quarantine in a government hotel for 10 days.

A statement from the Welsh club read: “Cardiff Rugby plan to depart Cape Town on Thursday morning after the club secured a charter flight and quarantine accommodation in England.

“The Blue and Blacks’ travelling contingent, which includes 15 full Welsh internationals, had been left stranded in the city after South Africa was placed on the UK’s red list and borders were closed to arrivals from six countries on the continent – now 10 in Wales.

“It had been hoped they would be able to depart on a flight with Munster Rugby, Scarlets and Zebre Parma on Sunday, but two positive cases ruled out the departure.

“However, working in collaboration with the United Rugby Championship and the Welsh Rugby Union, a charter flight has been confirmed for Thursday morning. Upon arrival in England, Wales’ capital city club will then begin a 10-day period of isolation in a UK Government Covid-19 hotel.

“Those remaining in South Africa will undertake 10 days quarantine in a South African Covid-19 hotel and will be repatriated to the UK as soon as possible.

“Cardiff Rugby would like to thank the URC, WRU and government agencies in South Africa for their support at this difficult time.”

Meanwhile, the majority of Munster’s squad are expected back in Dublin on Wednesday evening, but a group of 14 will remain in quarantine in Cape Town.

“In a hugely positive development the wider Munster touring party departed Cape Town tonight after a group of 34 players and staff received negative results on completing a fourth round of PCR testing in six days.

“Team management worked tirelessly on securing scheduled flights at short notice and the group are expected to land in Dublin on Wednesday evening.

“Another four positive cases were identified in Tuesday’s round of PCR testing and a total group of 14 will see out their respective isolation periods at the designated quarantine hotel in Cape Town.”