EPCR aiming for next round of European action to take place as planned

The EPCR has expressed its hope that rounds three and four of the Champions Cup can go ahead despite complications caused by travel restrictions.

Last month, five fixtures were postponed after the French government placed restrictions on travel from the UK amid a surge of Omicron cases.

At present, Wasps, Ospreys and Bristol are due to host French opposition, while Bath, Scarlets and Sale are scheduled to travel across the English channel during round three. Harlequins, Cardiff, Leicester, Glasgow, Northampton and Exeter could potentially see their fixtures against French opposition affected in round four.

There are no travel restrictions between Ireland and France, meaning the province’s fixtures against French opposition should not be affected unless Covid hits the squads, as it did before Leinster’s trip to Montpellier last month.

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An EPCR spokesperson has confirmed that they are working with clubs on a way for the fixtures to go ahead:

“EPCR is continuing to work with the leagues and unions to obtain assurances that travel exemptions for players, club staff and match officials will be in place for matches in rounds three and four of the Heineken Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup.”