QUARANTINE CHANGES MAY HIT RUGBY REGION’S DREAM OF LIFTING EUROPEAN CHALLENGE CUP

SCARLETS’ dream of lifting the European Challenge Cup has been cast in doubt after France was placed on Great Britain and Northern Ireland’s quarantine list.

European rugby power-brokers have reacted by urging the WRU to make representations to the Welsh Government over the west Wales region’s trip to France.

Leigh Halfpenny, Liam Williams, Ken Owens and company are due to face star-studded Toulon in a massive quarter-final clash in the south of France on September 18.

But it’s unclear whether the Scarlets’ squad and management would have to spend 14 days in self isolation following their return to Wales with the Welsh Government’s website listing exemptions that don’t cover such a scenario.

It has a section dealing with sports competitors and support staff coming to Wales to compete in specific events.

It says they do have to isolate but they are allowed to leave isolation to train or compete in their sport.

It’s understood the west Wales region is seeking clarification on the matter from tournament organisers European Professional Club Rugby.

The situation has been muddied by EPCR urging the Welsh, English, French, Irish and Scottish rugby unions to make representations on its behalf to the relevant governments.

It wants exemption from quarantine restrictions for all clubs and essential match day personnel, who will be required to travel outside their territories to fulfil fixtures in both tournaments.

European competition had been due to restart in five weeks’ time with the star-studded Scarlets going to Toulon for their quarter-final in the second-tier Challenge Cup.

Edinburgh are due to visit Bordeaux-Begles the following day, on September 20, with Leicester Tigers hosting Castres at Welford Road. Gwent region the Dragons are scheduled to face Bristol away at Ashton Gate on September 18.

Ulster are due to visit Toulouse in the Champions Cup with Clermont Auvergne hosting Racing 92 in an all-French affair, Dan Biggar’s Northampton Saints are scheduled to play at Exeter Chiefs while Leinster host Saracens in Dublin.

WalesOnline has established Edinburgh and Castres will be exempt from quarantine rules in Scotland and England.

The Champions and Challenge Cup finals had been due to take place in Marseille three months ago.

But tournament organisers European Professional Club Rugby scrapped the south of France city as its venue with an alternative yet to be announced.

It has been hoped to play the semi-finals the weekend of September 25-27 and the two finals on the weekend of October 16-18.

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