European Rugby quarter-finals postponed

The European Professional Club Rugby board has announced that the quarter-finals of the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup have been postponed following the outbreak of coronavirus disease.

The games were originally scheduled in the first week of April but now will be played at a later date.

"Amid growing public health concerns due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the decision was taken during a conference call today (Monday, 16 March) to postpone the eight matches on the weekend in question and to suspend the European club rugby season," a statement released by EPCR.

"While respecting all further directives by governments and local authorities, EPCR, in conjunction with the relevant leagues and unions, remains committed to trying to find a solution which will enable it to complete the 2019/20 Heineken Champions Cup and Challenge Cup tournaments at such a time as that aligns with preventative measures undertaken by an overwhelming majority of sport’s governing bodies and tournament organisers in Europe.

"EPCR’s priority is the health and welfare of players and club staff, and an update regarding the knockout stages of the tournaments will be communicated to all stakeholders as soon as practicable".

Earlier, the final round of the Six Nations tournament, domestic competitions in English, French and Super Rugby tournaments were also suspended.