South Africa squad isolating again and training suspended after Lood de Jager tests positive for Covid-19

South Africa’s preparations for the upcoming Test series against the British and Irish Lions have been disrupted again after the squad were forced to isolate for the second time in eight days.

Springbok training was suspended on Monday after Sale Sharks lock Lood de Jager returned a positive result in the latest round of Covid-19 testing.

The entire group have now entered precautionary isolation due to De Jager’s close contact with a number of squad members.

It remains to be seen if South Africa will be able to fulfil their latest fixture against Georgia on Friday night.

“Springbok training has been suspended for Monday following a positive test for COVID-19 in the squad,” read a statement from South Africa Rugby.

“The players have been placed in preventative isolation prior to further PCR testing and a review of the testing data by the Medical Advisory Group (MAG).

“Lood de Jager retuned a positive outcome in scheduled testing and, because of his close contact with a number of squad members, the entire group has gone into isolation.

“An update will be issued following the review by the MAG and the further testing.”

The South Africa squad were initially placed into isolation last weekend after Vincent Koch, Herschel Jantjies and Sbu Nkosi all returned positive Covid-19 tests on June 27.

Training was cancelled that day too, but the Springboks were able to resume activities the next day and play their first Test for 20 months - since their victorious 2019 World Cup campaign in Japan - at Loftus Versfeld on Friday.

In the first of their two Lions warm-up matches against Georgia, the reigning world champions ran out comfortable 40-9 winners.

The first Test against the Lions is due to be played at Cape Town Stadium on July 24, with further matches at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg to come on July 31 and August 7.

After a home warm-up win over Japan at Murrayfield, the Lions began their South Africa tour with a 56-14 win over the Sigma Lions in Johannesburg on Saturday.

Warren Gatland’s side are due to face the Cell C Sharks at Ellis Park on Wednesday evening, with further tour matches to come against the Vodacom Bulls, South Africa ‘A’ and DHL Stormers before the three-Test series gets underway.

Additional reporting by the Press Association.

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