Ulster have been awarded a 28-0 win and maximum points as the European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) confirmed Sunday’s Challenge Cup match against the Cheetahs in the Netherlands will not be rescheduled.
The sides were originally due to meet in Amsterdam with kick-off at 15:15 GMT, but with sub-zero temperatures expected, it was decided on Friday that the pitch at the NRCA Stadium would be unplayable.
The game was moved to Duke Rugby Club in the more southern city of s-Hertogenbosch and kick-off was brought forward to 13:00 GMT and would be played behind closed doors.
However, after more overnight snow and freezing temperatures, governing body European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) said the pitch was “deemed impracticable by the referee and posing a risk to players welfare”.
Initially, the EPCR said the game is “postponed until further notice” and will “convene its Board Crisis Management Group to consider next steps”.
However, on Sunday evening they confirmed the game is officially cancelled and Ulster have been awarded a bonus point win.
“EPCR has made the decision to cancel the EPCR Challenge Cup Pool 3 Round 3 fixture between Toyota Cheetahs and Ulster Rugby,” read an EPCR statement.
“Upon review of all the information available, the match result should be recorded as 0-28 win to Ulster Rugby, and five points will subsequently be awarded to Ulster Rugby.
“Despite the obvious challenges connected with the playing of this fixture, and noting the incredible efforts of the Toyota Cheetahs and Rugby Nederland to ensure the fixture could take place, it is the hosting club’s responsibility to ensure the match can go ahead; and therefore the match result must be recorded as a 0-28 four-try bonus point win for Ulster Rugby, with five match points being awarded as a consequence, pursuant to EPCR regulations.”
In a statement to BBC Sport on Sunday afternoon, Ulster said they were “disappointed” the game would not be played but player welfare had to be the top priority.
“The safety of players, match officials and supporters must always be the priority, and we respect the referee’s decision following the pitch inspection.”
Ulster now move up into second Pool Three and are guaranteed a place in the round of 16 with the five points coming after an opening victory over Racing 92 in their opening European fixture before a narrow defeat in Cardiff. The Cheetahs now remain without a point following earlier defeats to Exeter Chiefs and Stade Francais.
