Ulster have released an update after their United Rugby Championship game against the Sharks over the weekend was postponed due to ill health.
In the statement, the province reveal that 29 players and 13 support staff were unwell ahead of the Durban clash that was due to take place on Saturday.
The Round Six tie was postponed following an independent medical assessment, with the latest update on Sunday offering more details on the concerns.
29 players were unwell
“The Ulster Rugby Medical team has confirmed that 29 players and 13 support staff were unwell whilst in Durban in the lead-up to Saturday’s postponed fixture. Independent medical testing confirmed both E. coli and Norovirus in tested samples,” read the statement.
“The club can also confirm that all precautionary medical, nutritional, and Public Health advice was adhered to prior to any member of the travelling group falling ill, and that the on-ground Ulster Rugby Medical team took all actions possible to prevent the spread amongst players and staff during the week.”
Ulster were not alone in being forced to call off their fixture in South Africa, with Glasgow Warriors having similar issues ahead of their game against the Lions.
The former side will now turn their attention to facing Munster next Saturday, with the squad set to return to Belfast on Monday as they look to fully recover.
“We came to Durban with our sights set on doing what, to this point, no other team in the URC has managed to do – the double in South Africa. This was going to be a huge challenge but exactly the type of challenge, as competitors, we look for,” said head coach Dan McFarland.
Get ready for Munster
“The win versus the Lions was a big physical challenge, and I was proud of the way the guys fronted. I am also proud of the way both support staff and players have worked throughout these two weeks.
“We are used to travelling to South Africa and what it requires, and this level of sickness was unprecedented. Whilst staying in Durban, 29 players and 13 support staff were hit with BOTH E. coli and Norovirus. It’s disappointing, especially given how unwell our group was, that some chose to question the reasoning for our game to be postponed, as we have invested a lot as a group and an organisation in getting this fixture played.
“With players and staff now recovering, we are focused on getting home to start preparations for our upcoming Interpro fixture at Thomond Park.”
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