Ulster had no choice but to postpone the Sharks game after 29 players fell ill, insists Dan McFarland

Reports in South Africa indicated that the Sharks were disappointed that the game had not started, and at a time when a large number of their Springbok contingent were available for the first time this season, and when a larger crowd was expected due to the Sharks festival” Day of fans.

McFarland, however, revealed the impact of the disease on his team, suspected to have come via contaminated water.

“We came to Durban with the aim of doing what no other team in the URC has managed to do so far – a double in South Africa,” said the head coach, who clearly had another eventful trip after last year’s disappointment over the refereeing controversy. .

“It should have been a huge challenge, but we as competitors are waiting for exactly that challenge.

“The win against the Lions was a big physical challenge and I was proud of the way the boys stepped up. I’m also proud of the way the support staff and players have worked over the course of these two weeks.”

With only a scattered squad of 34, 10 of whom met them in the country after being in Bloemfontein with developing Ireland for the past two weeks, McFarland revealed that 29 people contracted E. coli and norovirus.

Recent local reports have reported fish washing up on the shores of the Umgeni River in Natal, while beaches across the Ethekwini municipality have been closed after E. coli was found in the water.

The Ulster game was not the only match to be canceled this weekend with Glasgow, who were also staying in Durban after their game with the Sharks last weekend, also affected, ensuring their clash with the Lions could not happen either.

“We’re used to going to South Africa and what it takes, and this level of disease was unprecedented,” added McFarland of the organization, which made its first such trip in 2018.

“While in Durban, 29 players and 13 support staff were infected with both E. coli and norovirus.

“It’s a shame, especially given how bad our group was, that some have chosen to question the reason for our game being postponed, as we have invested a lot as a group and as an organization to play this match.

“With the players and staff now recovering, we are focused on getting home to begin preparations for the upcoming match between the pros at Thomond Park.”

Ulster’s preparations for this game will no doubt be significantly hampered with the province expected to return to the UK today.

The squad was expected to be absent from Ireland’s training for the upcoming internationals in November, with the national camp starting this week, although some could be cleared to play before reporting for duty next week.

There are eight in Ulster’s senior squad, with James Hume and Marty Moore also named as ‘A’ players in the group.

The pair, along with Kieran Treadwell, will be hoping for minutes against the Sharks after suffering injuries of varying lengths.

Jacob Stockdale, who was absent from South Africa, is also in the Ireland squad despite being ruled out after picking up an ankle injury against Leinster last month.

A number of fit senior players, as well as the side’s Academy contingent, also remained in Belfast and could feature in the squad for the trip to Thomond Park if those who fell ill are still feeling the effects.