The EPCR confirmed on Monday evening that the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup quarter-finals, which were due to be played early next month, have been postponed due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
In the Champions Cup, Leinster had been due to face Saracens and Ulster were down to play Toulouse. Clermont vs Racing 92 and Exeter vs Northampton were the other fixtures.
A statement from the EPCR reads:
"The Board of European Professional Club Rugby has decided that this season’s Heineken Champions Cup and Challenge Cup quarter-final matches will not now be played on the scheduled dates of 3/4/5 April.
"Amid growing public health concerns due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the decision was taken during a conference call today (Monday, 16 March) to postpone the eight matches on the weekend in question and to suspend the European club rugby season.
"While respecting all further directives by governments and local authorities, EPCR, in conjunction with the relevant leagues and unions, remains committed to trying to find a solution which will enable it to complete the 2019/20 Heineken Champions Cup and Challenge Cup tournaments at such a time as that aligns with preventative measures undertaken by an overwhelming majority of sport’s governing bodies and tournament organisers in Europe.
"EPCR’s priority is the health and welfare of players and club staff, and an update regarding the knockout stages of the tournaments will be communicated to all stakeholders as soon as practicable."
Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
