Reds denied entry to South Africa
The Brisbane side were forced to make an unexpected detour to London after a medical mix-up saw their travel plans go out of the window at Sao Paolo International Airport in Brazil on Monday, where they arrived after winning 18-7 over the Jaguares in Buenos Aires.
It is understood, that officials from a South African Airways told the team that they were not allowed on the plane for their flight to Johannesburg because they had not been vaccinated for yellow fever.
It is also understood Super Rugby administrators SANZAAR do not offer advice on vaccinations in their handbook for teams.
According to Fairfax Media, the mix-up occurred because the team obtained medical advice in Brisbane to the effect that because they were staying in Buenos Aires they did not need the vaccine.
The Reds' extended journey to South Africa will disrupt their preparations for their Round Six Super Rugby clash against the Stormers.
The delay means the Reds will arrive in South Africa a full 15 hours later than scheduled.
"We're just going to throw the kitchen sink at it and give it our all," said Reds' South African-born prop Ruan Smith.
"There's a lot of guys in the group who haven't played there and your first time playing in Cape Town, it's always special.
"It's a big crowd always, an enjoyable stadium to play in.
"We're just going to go out and enjoy it. We've got nothing to lose."
Sources: AAP, The Sydney Morning Herald & stuff.co.nz
