Days 3 and 4 of the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup group stages scheduled for the weekend of 16–17 January and 23–24 are threatened with suspension. With the resurgence of the Kovid-19 cases, particularly in Great Britain, the French government is pushing to prevent clubs engaged in the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup from taking risks.

Like the air of djjà vu. The European Rugby Cup is once again threatened by the resurgence of the Kovid-19 cases in Europe and especially in Great Britain. Concerned about a possible acceleration in the spread of the virus, the French government is pushing behind the curtain to stop the participation of French clubs in the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup.

What about the tournament of six countries?

On Thursday, the European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) saw its proposal to strengthen health protocols deemed inadequate by the French government. It should be said that more than 50% of the teams engaged in the two major European competitions come from the United Kingdom (20/38) where a new strain of the virus has announced a third national imprisonment.

Scheduled for the weekend of Saturday 16 and Saturday 23 January, 3 and 4 days of the group stage are now threatened with suspension. “Consideration of a temporary suspension [a été évoquée]. If the decision falls, we will work with stakeholders, LNR, FFR and Top 14 to find the best solution.“, accepted Vincent GillardDirector General of EPCR. Cancellations or simple adjournments, doubts remain, but the trend is undoubtedly towards an interruption. And this question also arises for the tournament of six countries, which is going to start from 6 February.