Unplayable pitch ends Cheetahs’ playoff hopes

Ulster have been awarded a 28-0 bonus-point win after their EPCR Challenge Cup pool match against the Cheetahs in Amsterdam was cancelled.

The round three fixture was initially postponed after referee Kevin Bralley ruled the pitch at Dukes Rugby Club in ’s-Hertogenbosch unplayable.

However, after reviewing the circumstances, EPCR reiterated that competition regulations place responsibility on the hosting club to ensure fixtures can be fulfilled. The Cheetahs’ home Challenge Cup matches are staged in the Netherlands.

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The match had already been relocated on Friday from the Cheetahs’ Amsterdam base at NRCA Stadium to ’s-Hertogenbosch due to adverse weather conditions in the capital. That move ultimately proved in vain, with Europe experiencing a severe cold snap marked by freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall.

The decision to award Ulster a 28-0 win leaves the Cheetahs rooted to the bottom of Pool 3 on zero points, with no mathematical chance of progressing to the knockout stages.

They will now play for pride when they face Racing 92 in France on Sunday in their final pool fixture.

Full EPCR statement:

EPCR has made the decision to cancel the EPCR Challenge Cup Pool 3 round three fixture between the Cheetahs and Ulster.

Upon review of all the information available, the match result should be recorded as 0-28 win to Ulster, and five points will subsequently be awarded to Ulster.

Despite the obvious challenges connected with the playing of this fixture, and noting the incredible efforts of the Cheetahs and Rugby Nederland to ensure the fixture could take place, it is the hosting club’s responsibility to ensure the match can go ahead; and therefore the match result must be recorded as a 0-28 four-try bonus point win for Ulster Rugby, with five match points being awarded as a consequence, pursuant to EPCR regulations.

EPCR would like to thank the Cheetahs, Rugby Nederland and Ulster for their support throughout this process.

Photo: @BelLiveSport/X