DOUBLE BLOW FOR COVID-HIT WARRIORS
GLASGOW WARRIORS’ woes continued yesterday after their Pro14 derby against Edinburgh next weekend was postponed — followed by confirmation they would forfeit their cancelled Champions Cup match against Lyon with a 28-0 defeat. Twenty Glasgow players are currently self-isolating after a Covid-19 outbreak at Exeter Chiefs, who beat Warriors 42-0 last weekend in their European opener, which forced today’s game against the French to be called off. Four players have now also tested positive, leading to the decision to postpone the December 27 clash with Edinburgh. The second of the back-to-back festive derby matches, scheduled for BT Murrayfield on January 2, is still on although that could also fall if more positive tests are returned. A Warriors spokesman confirmed there had already been four positive cases of Covid-19 but the results of another round of testing from yesterday morning are still being analysed, so the final figure could yet be higher. ‘Glasgow Warriors have consulted and
sought the support of Scottish Rugby’s Threat Management Group over the postponement of the game,’ he said. ‘In addition, having considered all of the available evidence, the Pro14 Rugby Medical Advisory Group has deemed that this fixture cannot go ahead as scheduled. ‘Pro14 Rugby will examine potential dates in early 2021 to reschedule the game. At this stage, there is no impact on the second 1872 Cup fixture, scheduled for Saturday, 2 January, at BT Murrayfield. ‘Glasgow Warriors continue to operate an extensive health and safety coronavirus mitigation plan and follow all respective public health guidance aligned through Scottish Rugby’s Threat Management Group. ‘The club and Threat Management Group have reviewed the stringent Covid-19 protocols that are in place and commend the Glasgow Warriors players and staff who have been exemplary in following these through recent challenges. ‘To respect medical confidentiality, Glasgow Warriors will not name the individuals affected.’ To compound what has been a miserable week for Warriors, the EPCR (European Professional Club Rugby) last night confirmed their decision to award a 28-0 victory to Lyon, all but ending Danny
Wilson’s side’s hopes of progression in the tournament. A statement read: ‘EPCR would like to emphasise that blame was not considered as a factor during the deliberations, and the committee’s decisions were made with a view to facilitating the completion of this season’s Heineken Champions Cup in unprecedented circumstances.’ Exeter’s hopes of defending their title have also been dealt a major blow as tomorrow’s cancelled match against Toulouse was recorded as a bonus-point, 28-0 win to the French side. A bonuspoint win was also awarded to La Rochelle (against Bath). The Champions Cup chaos intensified last night as Toulon pulled out of their encounter with the Scarlets in Llanelli just hours before the match was due to kick off. One of the Welsh side’s players tested positive for Covid and two others were removed on contact tracing grounds, but after a review of all procedures, EPCR announced that the game could go ahead safely. Yet Toulon were unconvinced. Organisers offered them the option of delaying the fixture until Sunday and calling up extra players, but the French club refused and opted to go home. While the match was initially postponed, in reality it is cancelled and the points will be awarded to the Scarlets.