Bath's Premiership Rugby Cup game against Exeter cancelled

The Premiership Rugby Cup game between Bath Rugby and Exeter Chiefs to be played at The Recreation Ground on Wednesday has been called off.

The decision follows after the Bath squad which had already been hampered by injuries also had positive Covid-19 cases in the latest round of testing.

“It is with regret we share that our Round 3 Premiership Rugby Cup fixture against Exeter Chiefs scheduled for Wednesday 29 December at the Rec cannot go ahead safely,” read a statement from Bath.

“We have worked hard to find a solution, including sourcing additional players; however, a combination of Covid-related player absences and existing injuries means an insufficient number of front row forwards are available to fulfil a matchday 23.

“Furthermore, there is not enough time to add any further players to our squad who we can be confident are Covid free, and with a Gallagher Premiership fixture scheduled within the next seven days, the safety of our wider squad and staff must be paramount.

“Therefore, our fixture has been cancelled. Premiership Rugby will determine the points allocation for this fixture over the coming days in line with the Premiership Rugby Cup regulations.

“Our Gallagher Premiership game against London Irish on Monday 3 January remains unaffected.”