Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
ULSTER’S NEW BOY TESTS POSITIVE
Springbok Vermeulen isolating & it’s still anxious times for Munster in South Africa
ULSTER’S new signing Duane Vermeulen has tested positive for Covid-19.
The South African arrived in Belfast on Monday and was tested ahead of joining up with the Ulster squad.
The province announced yesterday that the 35-year-old had tested positive for the coronavirus and is isolating.
It is a blow to Dan Mcfarland, who would have planned on getting Vermeulen game-time against Ospreys on Sunday ahead of the big Champions Cup opener against Stade Francais seven days later.
The hope is that the veteran back row, who is feeling ok, will be available for that encounter.
Meanwhile, Munster grabbed a late night flight from Cape Town that could hand them a Champions Cup lifeline.
The Reds’ hopes of cobbling together a squad for the start of the Champions Cup has been boosted by the return to Dublin this evening of 34 members of the 48-strong travelling party, with the remaining 14 isolating after testing positive for Covid.
“This is a difficult time for all players and staff involved and we are very mindful of their wellbeing and the understandable concern from family and friends at home,” read a Munster statement.
“The group will be well looked after with team liaisons Warren Morris and Kubaan Lorens remaining on site with medical support provided daily.”
Johann van Graan’s side are scheduled to travel to Wasps for their Champions Cup opener on Sunday week.
They have a group of senior stars – including seven Ireland internationals and South Africa star Damian De Allende – in training with a number of academy squad members.
Together, they are preparing for the Champions Cup games under the guidance of academy coach Ian Costello.
However the Reds are particularly short of front row players – only three of those training in Limerick are props – and EPCR rules state that a matchday squad must contain six front row players.
If those currently ready to leave South Africa are not available in time for the Wasps game – they must quarantine for 10 days on their return home – Munster will depend on loan signings, especially as they have to play Castres six days after the Wasps clash.
But they will also have to rely on the generosity of French and English clubs to allow those loan players to line out.