The decision has been made in response to new travel restrictions brought in by the French government that have made cross-border competition impossible; Five Heineken Champions Cup games have fallen, on top of the two already lost to Covid outbreaks, and two Challenge Cup matches
By PA Media
Last Updated: 17/12/21 2:25pm
Most European matches involving French and British clubs this weekend have been postponed, tournament organiser EPCR has announced.
The decision has been made in response to new travel restrictions brought in by the French government that have made cross-border competition impossible.
Five Heineken Champions Cup games have fallen, on top of the two already lost to Covid outbreaks, and two Challenge Cup matches.
“The board received briefings from the three professional leagues which included updated information from the respective governments,” an EPCR statement read.
“However, there were insufficient assurances that these matches would not be at risk.”
The decision to reschedule the games rather than following the established protocol of cancelling them avoids the minefield of deciding who should receive the match points given it is a situation outside of the clubs’ control.
However, there is little room in a packed schedule to reschedule the postponed games, raising the prospect of midweek matches.