Tigers face Toulon in Cup semis
LEICESTER PROGRESS IN EUROPEAN CHALLENGE CUP WITHOUT HAVING TO KICK A BALL TIGERS NEWS
LEICESTER Tigers will face Toulon on Saturday in a European Challenge Cup semi-final.
The Stade Felix-Mayol will host the last-four clash with the winners facing Bristol Bears or Bordeaux-Begles – who meet on Friday night at Ashton Gate – in the final next month.
Tigers progressed having not kicked a ball following the cancellation of yesterday’s encounter with Castres. The Top 14 outfit were prevented from travelling to Welford Road due to three members of their playing group and one staff member returning positive Covid-19 tests.
It means that they had to forfeit the match and Tigers progressed into the semi-final of the competition.
Toulon’s place in the last four was booked after they edged Scarlets 11-6 on Saturday – a result that came after ECPR’s statement confirming the cancellation of Tigers’ quarter-final.
It said: “EPCR has decided to cancel the Challenge Cup quarter-final match between Leicester Tigers and Castres Olympique which was scheduled to be played tomorrow at Welford Road. “The decision followed a meeting of a medical committee, comprising medical leads from the unions, league bodies and both clubs, and subsequent independent medical advice.
“The committee, chaired by Rod McKenzie (Scotland), met by video conference last night following confirmation by Castres that three members of their playing group, as well as one staff member, had tested positive for Covid-19 in advance of the club’s planned departure to England.
“It was decided on medical advice that the quarter-final could not go ahead safely in the circumstances and, as a consequence, Castres have to forfeit the match and Leicester will qualify for the Challenge Cup semifinals.” In a post on the official club website, Tigers said the following.
“Leicester Tigers have taken the position throughout the Covid pandemic that safety must come first as the club has a responsibility to its players and staff, to our city and county, and to our whole community.
“While the return of professional sport is welcomed as we approach the climax of our domestic and cross-border tournaments, there is also a responsibility to the game of
Toulon’s place in the last four was booked after they edged Scarlets 11-6 on Saturday
rugby and to the protection of colleagues within Premiership Rugby and European competition with more rounds of fixtures still to be played.
“It is disappointing to reach this position after all of the hard work put into restarting fixtures in the professional game across Europe, but safety and wellbeing must come first.
“We wish a full and speedy recovery to anyone affected at Castres Olympique and send them our best wishes for the rest of the season.”