Head Coach of Ulster Rugby Dan McPartland has hit out at those, who questioned why their fixture with the Sharks was postponed, with details revealing the extent of the sickness in the camp.

In a statement resealed by Ulster, 29 players and 13 support staff were unwell in Durban in the lead up to their Round 6 URC tie. Independent testing revealed both E. coli and Norovirus was recorded in tested samples.

The club also confirmed 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.

Ahead of their inter-pro with Munster this weekend, the squad flew back in yesterday and will begin preparations later in the week.

Speaking on the postponement in South Africa and the ill health of the squad, McPartland said:

“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.

“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.”