'Unfortunate but safety comes first' - Ulster, Cheetahs react to snow-hit cancellation

REACTION: What began as a New Year’s journey from a blazing Bloemfontein ended with CEOs, coaches, players, volunteers, and die-hard rugby enthusiasts shoveling snow in sub-zero conditions in an extraordinary attempt to salvage the Cheetahs’ Challenge Cup clash against Ulster.

Despite immense efforts from all parties involved, the fixture scheduled for January 11 was officially cancelled after the pitch was deemed unplayable and unsafe for players and officials.

On Monday, the Cheetahs and Ulster reacted to the cancellation, with both teams conceding that the pitch was unplayable and hazardous to the safety of the players.

The Cheetahs also shared a video of head coach Frans Steyn and staff shoveling snow and trying to clear the field in the icy conditions.

Following exceptional severe weather and a municipality-mandated suspension of all outdoor sporting events in Amsterdam, which led to securing an alternative venue at Dukes rugby club, and despite extensive efforts to deliver a playable surface, the referee deemed the pitch unsafe due to the freezing conditions.

The match had captured significant interest from the outset, having sold out ten days before kick-off.

Duke’s rugby club President Robert van Schayk led the call to action and expertly project-managed an outstanding operation that exemplified the game’s values.

Sold-out

According to the Cheetahs, recognition and great appreciation must also go to Rugby Nederland, which successfully sold out the stadium by January 2, and worked tirelessly for months to host the Cheetahs’ two home fixtures.

“No effort in life is ever wasted. Every situation holds a reason and a lesson, even if we only see it clearly when we look back,” said CEO Rory Duncan.

Ultimately, the decision to cancel the match was taken out of rugby’s hands. The Municipality of Amsterdam suspended all sporting events for public safety reasons, leaving organisers with few viable alternatives, and the unprecedented extreme weather conditions led to the alternative venue also being without a playable pitch.

The match referee, Kevin Bralley, in line with regulations and safety protocols, made the final call to cancel the fixture after allowing as much time as possible to secure the playability of the pitch.

“Player and match official safety is paramount in the delivery of EPCR’s fixtures. The Cheetahs would like to thank EPCR for giving us every opportunity to get the match played,” a statement by the Cheetahs read.

“While the battle against the elements was lost, the rugby community’s effort, unity, and passion stood as a powerful reminder of what the sport represents: resilience, teamwork, and unwavering commitment.”

Ulster’s general manager, Rory Best, says it is “unfortunate” that the game was called off, but insists “player health and safety” was the sole reason behind its cancellation.

There had been suggestions the game could potentially be rescheduled for Monday, but “with it being a Sunday game, logistically it was never going to be a runner to replay the game at another venue or on another date,” according to Best.

“On the morning of the game, the team travelled and in their head, they were focused and ready to play a match,” Best told Ulster Rugby TV.

“When the match officials arrived, in communication with our team manager and team doctor, the decision was taken it was unplayable.

“As much as we want to play a match, you have to take player health and safety into this. When a pitch isn’t playable, it’s unfortunate, but the game can’t go ahead.

“Duke Rugby Club did everything they could to have the game go ahead. We were there ready to play along with the Cheetahs, but in conjunction with our team and their team, the referee took what we feel was the correct decision to cancel.”