A ticking clock and a burka belonging to centre Jesse Kriel caused some panic in the Springbok rugby squad’s hotel, prompting an evacuation on the eve of their 20-11 defeat to Wales.
On Friday afternoon - while the Springboks were taking part in their captain’s run training session at Principality Stadium in Cardiff - a suspect package was found at the Hilton hotel.
It turned out to be a ticking clock in the laundry of an unknown member of the Bok squad.
However, as it was considered a serious safety concern, the hotel was evacuated, while South Wales cops questioned the Boks at the stadium.
Kriel and two other players were taken back to the hotel to have their rooms searched and the burka was then discovered.
It is understood Kriel had bought it to wear for a night out in Cardiff after Saturday’s game, reports the Daily Mail.
The entire South African squad were warned by police but escaped sanctions.
A Hilton Hotel statement read: “At 2pm on Friday, 23 November, there was an incident where our housekeeping team discovered a suspicious package in one of the bedrooms.
“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.”
The Springbok management declined to comment, saying it was a police matter.
South Wales Police did not comment.