CARDIFF – South Africa’s team hotel was evacuated on the eve of their 20-11 defeat to Wales due to a bomb scare.
Further suspicion was aroused when on searching the Hilton in central Cardiff police discovered a burka outfit, which it is understood belonged to centre Jesse Kriel.
On Friday afternoon – while South Africa were training at the Principality Stadium – a suspect package was found at the team hotel.
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.
The Hilton was evacuated, and police then went to the stadium to speak to the team.
Kriel and two other players were taken back to the hotel, and after their rooms were searched, the burka was found.
It is understood Kriel had bought it to wear on a night out after Saturday’s game.
All three players and the South Africa squad were warned by police, but escaped any sanction.