Talks progressing to reschedule European rugby fixtures

Tournament organisers say that talks are progressing to reschedule five European Champions Cup games postponed following the Paris terror attacks.

But European Professional Club Rugby confirmed that the matches will not take place either next weekend or the weekend after.

Following round two of the Champions Cup programme that starts on Friday with Ulster hosting Saracens, there is a fortnight's break as domestic action takes centre-stage before Champions Cup fixtures resume with rounds three and four in mid-December.

The France-based fixtures called off last week were Oyonnax versus Ulster, Racing 92 against Glasgow, Bordeaux-Begles versus Clermont Auvergne and reigning champions Toulon against Bath, in addition to a Challenge Cup clash between Pau and Castres.

Stade Francais' Paris appointment with Champions Cup opponents Munster on Sunday, meanwhile, has also been called off.

In a statement, EPCR said: "Discussions involving EPCR, the Ligue Nationale de Rugby, Premiership Rugby and the PRO12 to reschedule the six postponed European club fixtures are progressing.

"To assist clubs from the three leagues with their short-term planning, all parties are in agreement that the postponed matches will not be scheduled for the weekends of November 27/28/29 or December 4/5/6.

"However, as previously clarified, EPCR and the leagues remain adamant that all postponed fixtures in the European Champions Cup and Challenge Cup will be played.

"It is hoped that the new dates will be announced as soon as possible following this weekend's round two matches in both tournaments."