COVID-19 puts Euro dreams on hold

NEWS: The European Champions Cup and the Challenge Cup have become the latest top rugby tournaments to be postponed due to COVID-19 pandemic.

The news was confirmed via a statement on Monday.

The Champions Cup and Challenge Cup quarterfinal matches will not now be played on the scheduled dates of April 3/4/5.

“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,” said the statement.

“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 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.”

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EPCR quarter-final matches postponed.

Full statement 🔽https://t.co/db0MxobIGh

— Heineken Champions Cup (@ChampionsCup) March 16, 2020