South Africa’s team hotel was evacuated on the eve of their 20-11 defeat to Wales due to a bomb scare.
On Friday afternoon – while South Africa were taking part in their captain’s run training session at Principality Stadium – a suspect package was found at the team hotel.
And further suspicion was aroused when on searching the Hilton in central Cardiff, South Wales Police discovered a burka outfit which it is understood belonged to a player.
EXCLUSIVE: South Africa bomb scare sparked by ticking clock in laundry and player’s burka: Team hotel evacuated before police discover costume belonging to Springbok star https://t.co/FtHLlypIDE pic.twitter.com/lNZdmoWVnW
— MailOnline Sport (@MailSport) November 25, 2018
It is believed the cause of suspicion – which turned out to be a false alarm – was a ticking clock found in the laundry of an unknown member of the South African squad.
It is understood that the burka had been brought to be worn during a night out for the team in Cardiff on Saturday following the game, reports MailOnline.
Three players were taken back to the hotel and warned by police, as were the rest of the South Africa squad.
A statement by the Hilton Hotel Cardiff said: “At 2pm on Friday, November 23, there was an incident where our housekeeping team discovered a suspicious package in one of the bedrooms.
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“She notified hotel management and, as per our protocol, we evacuated bedrooms above and below the floor in question and contacted the police immediately.
“They investigated promptly and, fortunately, quickly gave the all-clear.
“Our guests’ safety is naturally of paramount importance, but we are sorry for any inconvenience, and we’re grateful to South Wales Police for their swift response.”