Cancelled.

Following a conference call yesterday the EPCR Board have reconfirmed the suspension of this season’s Heineken Champions Cup and Challenge Cup tournaments and has furthermore decided to postpone the semi-final matches, as well as the 2020 Marseille finals, which were due to be played on the weekends of 1/2/3 May and 22/23 May respectively.

In making the decision, the Board said they are abiding by the official directives and recommendations of the relevant authorities in its territories to restrict the COVID-19 pandemic.

“In light of the earlier postponement of its quarter-final matches and with fixtures in Europe’s professional league competitions currently suspended due to the public health crisis, EPCR believes it necessary to provide as much clarity as possible to all stakeholders regarding the knockout stages of its tournaments,” a statement read.

“To that end, EPCR is working with the leagues and unions to restructure a conclusion to its season as part of a wider rescheduling of the remainder of the season in Europe, with all contingencies underpinned by the requirement to protect the health and welfare of players, club staff, match officials, supporters and the wider rugby community.

“EPCR remains committed to completing the 2019/20 Heineken Champions Cup and Challenge Cup season, and it is planned to reschedule the quarter-final and semi-final matches, as well as the Marseille finals, in line with fixtures in the professional league competitions, subject to advice from government and local authorities.”

Tickets already purchased for the Marseille finals will be valid for the new dates when announced, and from that point, fans who are unable to attend on the new dates will be entitled to a refund.

In a further message Vincent Gaillard, EPCR CEO, sad they will keep fans informed of any developments.

“EPCR is working with league and union stakeholders on several scenarios for the rescheduling of both the Heineken Champions Cup and European Rugby Challenge Cup at such time as it is safe to do so, and we will, of course, keep you informed of developments,” Gaillard said.

“Given the current situation, the ticket office is currently operating far below full capacity. If ticket-holders are unable to attend Finals Weekend when it is rescheduled and a new date is announced, then refunds will be made from that point and information communicated to fans via official tournament channels as to how to obtain those.

“In the meantime, we would like to extend our full support to you, the fans, in these difficult times. We will endeavour to keep you up to date on tournament developments through epcrugby.com at every opportunity.”