eThekwini rubbishes claims rugby players fell ill due to Durban water

It has refuted what it calls insinuations that Durban's tap or sea water is to blame for the Ulster and Glasgow Warriors rugby teams falling ill.

"These reports are devoid of any facts to support the assertions made," the statement read.

Both teams were set to play matches in the United Rugby Championship over the weekend, but the games were postponed after some members fell ill.

"The official statement from the United Rugby Championship makes no mention of the cause of the illness being Durban’s water, so media reports are being based on malicious and baseless rumours."

In the statement, the city says that the latest analysis on water samples show that no issues were picked up in Umhlanga - where the teams stayed and the quality of the water is good.

eThekwini says there have not been reports of locals getting sick as well.

"If there were, then many residents of Umhlanga would have fallen ill as well. This is not the case, so which Durban tap water did the teams, and only the teams, consume which would have made professional athletes fall sick, but not ordinary residents in Umhlanga?"

With regards to Durban's beaches, the Municipality says it has been transparent about which beaches are safe for bathers, and the ones we can't use.

It says it would have been reckless if team members swam at the places that were closed - but it doesn't think that happened.

"It beggars belief that international rugby teams who are in the country for important fixtures would have swum in beaches that are closed for swimming."