European Rugby Challenge Cup play was disrupted Sunday as weather conditions forced teh cancellation of the match between the Toyota Cheetahs and Ulster Rugby. The EPCR has awarded Ulster a 28-0 victory by default and five ranking points,citing the host club’s responsibility for ensuring a playable pitch. The result shifts the dynamic in pool 3, positioning ulster to challenge current leader Stade Français as the tournament progresses toward Champions Cup qualification.
The Challenge Cup match between the Cheetahs and Ulster, scheduled for this Sunday, has been canceled. Ulster will be awarded the victory by default.
The third-round Challenge Cup fixture between the Cheetahs and Ulster will not take place, as announced Sunday evening by the EPCR. Inclement weather and freezing temperatures are to blame. “After reviewing all available information, the match result must be recorded as a 0-28 victory for Ulster Rugby. Five ranking points will therefore be awarded to Ulster Rugby. Despite the obvious difficulties associated with holding this match, and given the efforts made by the Toyota Cheetahs and Rugby Nederland to ensure it could take place, it is the responsibility of the host club to ensure that the match can proceed. Consequently, the match result must be recorded as a 0-28 victory with four tries and a bonus point for Ulster Rugby, who are awarded five ranking points, in accordance with EPCR regulations,” the governing body stated in a release.
Ulster Close Behind Stade Français
The match was initially scheduled for 4:15 PM in Amsterdam before being postponed and relocated due to the cold. It was then set to be played at 2:00 PM in ‘s-Hertogenbosch (Bois-le-Duc). The game was first delayed by referee Kévin Bralley. “After inspecting the pitch, the match referee determined that it was unplayable. He recommended to the EPCR, the Toyota Cheetahs, and Ulster Rugby that the match could not be played on the Dukes Rugby stadium pitch today as scheduled at 2:00 PM local time,” the EPCR explained in a statement.
As a result, in Pool 3, the Northern Irish side now sits second with 12 points, trailing Stade Français and their 15 points. A decisive match to determine the group leader is now set for Saturday at Belfast (2:00 PM)! This result puts Ulster in a strong position to advance in the tournament, a competition known for providing a pathway to the Champions Cup for top-performing teams.
