Lyon clash off as Warriors stars isolate
GLASGOW Warriors’ season has been plunged into chaos after their Heineken Champions Cup clash with Lyon at Scotstoun this Saturday was cancelled due to Covid concerns. A total of 20 Warriors players are now self-isolating after an outbreak of the virus was confirmed at Exeter Chiefs, who Glasgow played at Sandy Park last Sunday. The Chiefs, who kicked off the defence of their European
crown with a 42- 0 win over Glasgow, have since returned a number of positive tests and their game against Toulouse this weekend has also been called off.
Tournament organisers will now convene a match resolution panel to determine the outcome of both games — but they will not be rescheduled due to an already congested fixture list.
Despite Glasgow being unable to fulfil the fixture through no fault of their own, Sportsmail understands they are resigned to Lyon being awarded a 28- 0 walkover under current Covid regulations.
Club sources are understood to be deeply frustrated at the fact that, should Lyon be handed the victory as expected, it would effectively knock Glasgow out of the competition by default.
In this season’s shortened format, it is virtually impossible for any club to qualify if they lose two games.
Glasgow remain confident that their 1872 Cup clash with rivals Edinburgh will still go ahead as planned at Scotstoun on Sunday, December 27.
But the news of their European fate is another blow for head coach Danny Wilson, whose efforts to improve the club’s fortunes this season now face further disruption.
Warriors have won only two of their opening eight games in the Pro14.
After being without all of his Scotland stars for the best part of two months in the autumn, Wilson will now be denied more time on the training pitch as the players self-isolate.
A club statement read: ‘ Glasgow Warriors’ Heineken Champions Cup game against Lyon on Saturday (December 19) has been cancelled.
‘A total of 20 Glasgow Warriors players from matchday 23 in Exeter last Sunday are now selfisolating after several Exeter Chiefs players and staff tested positive for Covid- 1 9 . On discovery, Glasgow Warriors immediately consulted Public Health Scotland to determine this outcome and has the support of Scottish Rugby’s Threat Management Group.
‘With a significant number of players self- i solating and an extensive injury list, the decision has been taken that it is not safe to play on Saturday. Exeter’s round two game against Toulouse is also cancelled.
‘ EPCR will convene Match Result Resolution Committees to determine the results of the cancelled matches and the decisions of the committees will be communicated as soon as practicable.
‘Glasgow Warriors will now turn its attention to mitigating any further risks to its squad to protect the upcoming 1872 Cup fixtures against Edinburgh in the Guinness Pro14. The club has reviewed the stringent Covid-19 protocols it has put in place for its squad and commends i ts players and staff who have been exemplary in following these during this period.’
A statement from tournament organisers, European Professional Club Rugby, said: ‘EPCR has been informed that a number of Exeter Chiefs players and staff have tested positive for Covid-19.
‘ In accordance with public health guidelines, the club will not be able to send a matchday squad to f ulfil i ts Heineken Champions Cup, Round Two f i xture against Toulouse at Stade Ernest Wallon on Sunday (December 20). The Pool B match is therefore cancelled.
‘As Exeter Chiefs played against Glasgow Warriors in Round One of the tournament, Glasgow Warriors have advised EPCR that many of its senior players are now self-isolating in accordance with public health guidelines.
‘Consequently, the club is not in a position to field a match day squad of the appropriate standard for its Heineken Champions Cup, Round Two fixture against Lyon at Scotstoun Stadium on Saturday (December 19). The Pool B match between Glasgow Warriors and Lyon is therefore also cancelled.
‘As per its Covid-19 protocol, EPCR will convene Match Result Resolution Committees to determine the results of the cancelled matches and the decisions of the committees will be communicated as soon as practicable.’