Rugby-COVID-19 cases at Exeter force cancellation of two Champions Cup games

"Glasgow Warriors will now turn its attention to mitigating any further risks to its squad to protect the upcoming 1872 Cup fixtures against Edinburgh (on Dec. 27 and Jan. 2) in the Guinness PRO14," the Warriors said. Sale Sharks' hopes of reaching the Premiership playoffs last season ended when 27 positive COVID-19 tests among their players and staff led to their match against Worcester Warriors being cancelled after an initial postponement.

Sunday's Champions Cup pool match between defending champions Exeter Chiefs and Toulouse has been called off after a number of Exeter players and staff tested positive for COVID-19, European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) said on Wednesday.

Due to the public health guidelines in place, EPCR said Exeter cannot send a matchday squad to fulfil the fixture which was to be held at Stade Ernest Wallon in Toulouse. The positive tests also had a knock-on effect with Glasgow Warriors' match against Lyon on Saturday also being cancelled after the Scottish side's players went into self-isolation following their match against Exeter over the weekend.

"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," the body said in a statement. Exeter, Lyon and Toulouse all won their first round Pool B matches last week.

The Warriors said a total of 20 players who played Exeter are now self-isolating. "Glasgow Warriors will now turn its attention to mitigating any further risks to its squad to protect the upcoming 1872 Cup fixtures against Edinburgh (on Dec. 27 and Jan. 2) in the Guinness PRO14," the Warriors said.

Sale Sharks' hopes of reaching the Premiership playoffs last season ended when 27 positive COVID-19 tests among their players and staff led to their match against Worcester Warriors being cancelled after an initial postponement. The forfeit meant Worcester were handed a 20-0 victory.