Not sure that the Irish province of Munster, nor the Welsh franchises of Scarlets and Cardiff and expected this response from the EPCR.
The organizer of the European competitions is indeed released this Thursday at the end of the afternoon from his long deafening silence concerning these three teams, under quarantine for the first two, still blocked in South Africa for the third.
As if not talking about the problem could make it disappear as if by magic… They were hoping for leniency, a postponement of their meetings of the first day of the Champions Cup, Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 December (Cardiff is to host Stade Toulousain).
They were not heard.
Read alsoChampions Cup: two Welsh teams request the postponement of their first matches
In its
press
release, entitled "
update on the 2021/2022 season
", the EPCR turns a deaf ear to these requests.
“
As there is no other free weekend in the 2021/2022 season calendar, the EPCR is in regular contact with leagues and clubs to ensure that all possible measures are taken. planned so that the matches are played as planned.
»Bar point.
No question of postponement therefore.
But most certainly cancellation with lost match as provided for in the regulations, even if this is not explicitly confirmed.
"The EPCR wishes good luck to the players who remained in South Africa as well as to those who have been repatriated and are currently in isolation."
EPCR
Just a little benevolent message to the teams affected by this dramatic situation. “
The EPCR is aware that recent events have particularly impacted clubs Cardiff, Munster, Scarlets and Zebre Parma. The tournament organizer would like to wish good luck to the players and club members who remained in South Africa, as well as those who have been repatriated and are currently in solitary confinement.
"
In its press release, the EPCR offers an alternative that will obviously not satisfy these teams currently in quarantine.
Namely reopening the registration of players (closed last month) "
to allow all participating clubs to complete their workforce with an unlimited number of players not already registered previously
".
The Scarlets have let it be known that they currently only have 7 professional players not affected by isolation in a hotel in… Belfast, as the Welsh authorities refused to welcome them in the Principality for their quarantine.
Clear ?
Requisition your second-tier players, your hopes but present yourself at 23 at kick-off ...
A restricted Red Zone set up in all stadiums hosting matches
The Lausanne-based governing body is also delivering instructions on “
strengthened
Covid-19 risk mitigation protocols
”.
“
All the players and the sports team must present a negative result during the match week.
(…) Only essential members of the club staff will be able to benefit from the quarantine exemptions reserved for elite athletes for cross-border travel.
(…) A restricted Red Zone will be set up for operational purposes in all stadiums hosting matches.
"It promises to be charming and not at all anxious ...
