The Albany Gazette - Cardiff handed Toulouse Champions Cup win after Covid-19 cases

The fixture becomes the ninth game in this season's competition where a side has been given a victory or a match declared a draw due to Covid-19 issues.

With the Welsh region being handed the win the record five-time champions are seventh in Pool B and need results to go in their favour if they are to reach the last 16.

"Following a meeting of an independent Match Risk Assessment Committee, EPCR has been advised that the Champions Cup, Round 4 fixture between Stade Toulousain and Cardiff Rugby scheduled for tomorrow (Saturday, 22 January) at Stade Ernest-Wallon cannot go ahead," European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) said.

"Cardiff Rugby have therefore been awarded the match in Pool A on a 28-0, five match points basis, in accordance with the Tournament Rules," it added.

Toulouse have refused to disclose the names of those who have contracted the illness but world player of the year Antoine Dupont as well as France half-back partner Romain Ntamack were omitted from the team announced for the game with Cardiff.

Later, the French league (LNR), who run the Top 14 and ProD2, claimed EPCR had broken its own Covid-19 rules in cancelling the game.

According to the LNR, EPCR regulations state clubs adopt guidelines from their domestic leagues and the French professional rugby body said Toulouse had enough fit squad members to play the game.

"The LNR denounces a scandalous and totally unfounded decision," the LNR said.

"EPCR's decision is in violation of its own rules. It is incomprehensible and brings a serious prejudice on the club and the fairness of the competition," it added.

(G.Gruner--BBZ)