Munira Wilson MP has urged fans who attended the England versus South Africa game last weekend to get a Covid test amid fears it might have been a super-spreader event for the new Omicron strain.

Richmond Borough has seen a rise in covid cases in recent weeks, which coincides with a series of games at Twickenham, which have attracted crowds of 80,000. The surrounding pubs, as well as the train station, were packed with people, many not wearing masks.

However, council chiefs, who are planning to hold meetings with the Rugby Football Union, said there is no evidence of a direct link between the games.

The RFU operated a strict NHS Covid pass system at Twickenham, meaning all ticket-holders had to show evidence of double vaccination, a negative lateral flow test in the last 48 hours or of previous infection in the past 180 days.

The Lib-Dem MP for Twickenham said the fact that the match attracted thousands of fans from South Africa suggested there was a need for extra vigilance around that game.

Ms Wilson, who is also the party's health spokesperson, said: "While I'm confident the RFU will have had the necessary protocols in place to prevent any potential spread, this serves as a reminder that we all must remain vigilant in the fight against this virus.

"Those who had flown in for the match and anyone who was in and around the stadium that day who has concerns should follow UKHSA advice in coming forward and getting tested.

"More broadly, the emergence of this new variant stresses the need to donate vaccines through the COVAX programme. Ministers must spring into action and recognise no one is safe from Covid until we all are safe."

It has emerged that as many as 9,000 people have arrived in the UK from South Africa since the new variant, which is thought to be more infectious, was identified.