Heineken champions cup and Challenge cup suspended
- par Rene Duval
- dans Sport
- — Jan 12, 2021
They're concerned about a new virulent strain of COVID-19.
Earlier, the French government advised the rugby clubs to not participate in cross-border competitions against British sides this weekend to control the outbreak of the Covid and also recommended EPCR to adapt the testing guidelines used in Top 14 where the squad will be tested three days before the game as opposed to the start of the week.
England's Premiership rugby union clubs will take a two-week, mid-season break organisers said after it was announced earlier Monday that both the European Champions Cup and Challenge Cup tournaments were being suspended because of coronavirus concerns raised by French authorities.
Furthermore the sanctions will mean that the final two rounds of the Champions Cup group stage, European rugby's elite competition, can not take place either with immediate effect.
"It is a priority of the (French) government to fight against all the risks of introduction" of more contagious variants of the virus and their "circulation in the country", said the letter.
"While respecting all further directives by governments and local authorities, and prioritising the health and welfare of players and club staff, EPCR. remains committed to trying to find a solution which will enable it to resume and complete the tournaments as soon as practicable", said the EPCR statement.
EPCR and Ligue Nationale de Rugby (LNR) held a meeting last week with the French sports ministry which recommended postponing January's fixtures - both home and away - between French clubs and those in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
There had been speculation the Premiership might bring forward fixtures in England's top-flight to fill the gap caused by the suspension of the upcoming two rounds of European pool fixtures in January.
'The Gallagher Premiership Rugby season will return - as scheduled - on Friday, 29 January when Bristol Bears host Bath Rugby, ' Childs added.
France are then due to travel to Ireland on February 14 before hosting Scotland a fortnight later. EPCR's next scheduled weekends are on April 2-4 and 9-11 which were set aside for two-legged quarter-finals.
