Munster happy with travel protocols ahead of return to South Africa

Munster are more than satisfied with the travel arrangements for their return to South Africa.

The touring party will make their way from Ireland on Sunday, following Saturday's United Rugby Championship match against Dragons at Thomond Park.

The previous trek to the Rainbow Nation was strung out over a hellish four weeks after the Omicron surge began soon after the team landed in Pretoria.

That led to both games against the Bulls and the Lions being postponed, but their return to Ireland was bedeviled by Covid-19 outbreaks, with the party being split up and some having to undergo periods of self-isolation both in South Africa and upon their return home.

Having departed in late November, it was late December before the squad was able to reassemble fully.

Speaking to RTÉ Sport after their Champions Cup win over Castres in December, back row Jack O’Donoghue, one of those forced to self-isolate, admitted that the whole episode took its toll on the group mentally.

With the trip looming, forwards coach Graham Rowntree stated they were happy with the arrangements.

"All the protocols are sorted and we are happy with them," said the former England prop, who joked that he had his own methods of dealing with coronavirus.

"If I get Covid again, I’ll have another crate of wine in my hotel suite in Cape Town which got me through my isolation.

"No, we’re happy with the protocols and we’re ready for it. And as I keep saying, we’ll deal with that on Sunday. We’ve a big game on Saturday night and we have to get that right first.

"There's no-one who will get stuck over there again. We’ve ticked that box.

"We’ve got those memoirs available.

"That was a challenging time for the club but we’ve come through it.

"I think it’s made us stronger and we’re