Cardiff Rugby finally on way back to UK after South African Omicron ordeal

Cardiff Rugby are finally on their way home to the UK after four attempts to leave South Africa.

The 42 travelling squad and staff had been due to fly out of Cape Town on Thursday but were unable to after a landing slot was withdrawn.

All of the travelling group have returned negative coronavirus tests, while six individuals who tested positive are currently isolating in a South African quarantine hotel.

A tweet from the club's social media account on Friday morning confirmed a return home.

Another tweet thanked those who had supported them and read: "Thank you to everyone who has played a part in securing our return to the UK and to our friends in South Africa for looking after us. Diolch."

The club had three failed attempts to leave the country after it was placed on the UK's red coronavirus travel list.

First, they were unable to obtain Civil Aviation Authority clearance due to the closure of borders in the UK and European Union, so the plane was unable to leave in the window required to avoid quarantine on return.

Then, they were set to fly out on Sunday afternoon along with the Scarlets, Munster and Zebre squads, with Dublin set as the destination.

However, two positive Covid tests, one of which is suspected to be Omicron, saw them head back to their hotel to isolate.

ITV Wales reported that the situation was having an adverse impact on the squad's mental and emotional wellbeing, with some players suffering panic attacks.

Upon their return to the UK, the party are set to serve their 10-day isolation period in England, which puts their opening Heineken Champions Cup games against Toulouse and Harlequins in jeopardy.

Director of rugby Dai Young says his side will "do everything in our power" to fulfil those fixtures.