Bath's Champions Cup game against La Rochelle cancelled

Bath's Heineken Champions Cup game against La Rochelle becomes the latest fixture to be cancelled due to Covid-19 outbreak.

The decision follows after 12 players in the camp are currently on self isolation after being named as close contacts with players who have tested positive with Covid-19 from last weekend's opponents Scarlets.

"Due to the impact on selection availability of forwards, it is not possible to safely fulfil the fixture on Saturday," a statement from Bath Rugby read.

"When informed, Bath Rugby acted immediately to isolate the players concerned and has been in constant communication with Premiership Rugby, the RFU, Public Health England and EPCR."

Bath director of rugby Stuart Hooper expressed disappointment over the development but insists the right decision has been made.

"We are hugely disappointed that we are unable to play this fixture, but the health and safety of our staff, players and families - and that of La Rochelle's rugby community must be our top priority," he said.

"Our focus now is to continue to protect our people and to prepare for our upcoming fixture against London Irish on Boxing Day."

Earlier, Champions Cup games between Exeter Chiefs and Toulouse along with the encounter between Glasgow and Lyon were also cancelled due to Covid-19.