The EPCR (European Professional Club Rugby) has postponed the 2020 Marseille’s Heineken European Rugby Champions and Challenge Cup semi-finals and finals indefinitely due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
The games, which were due to be played on throughout May were suspended following a conference call with EPCR board members.
An EPCR spokesperson stated: “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.
“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 would like to thank Olympique de Marseille, the staff at the Orange Vélodrome and all local and regional partners for their continuing collaboration.”
The organisation has reaffirmed that while the Heineken Champions Cup and Challenge Cup tournaments have been postponed, EPCR are currently exploring options to ensure that all of it’s rugby union competitions get completed as soon as possible while following health guidelines.
The spokesperson added: “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.”
