De Villiers, EP players return positive Covid-19 tests

EP Elephants coach Peter de Villiers and 11 players have tested positive for Covid-19, the union confirmed on Tuesday.

In a letter addressed to the Eastern Province Rugby Union executive committee as the presidents of all EPRU clubs and EPRU staff – that was published on the team’s social-media platforms– president Andre Rademan confirmed that De Villiers and 11 EP Elephants players tested positive for coronavirus.

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EP, who faced the Cheetahs in a friendly last weekend, were set to face Griquas in a warm-up game this Saturday, but the match has subsequently been called off.

Rademan also confirmed that the EPRU offices will be closed with immediate effect until 8am next Monday.

It comes as another blow to the union, ahead of the Elephants’ Currie Cup First Division campaign, as they have had to deal with an exodus of senior players, including backs Inny Radebe, Courtney Winnaar and Christopher Hollis.

Photo: Frikkie Kapp/Gallo Images