In the event of a cancellation, the outcome is a 28-0 walkover in favour of the team deemed not responsible for the outbreak, with Bristol being awarded such a victory against Scarlets last weekend.
Champions Cup Round 2 COVID Monday Update
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Champions Cup Round 2 COVID Monday Update
A look at all the squad updates following Round 1 of the Champions Cup.
Montpellier vs Leinster:
Leinster Rugby
Given the positive Covid-19 cases in Leinster Rugby ahead of Saturday’s Heineken Champions Cup game, Leinster Rugby went on another full round of antigen and PCR testing at its UCD base on Monday.
The Irish province said last week that three senior players and one member of staff had tested positive for Covid-19.
Montpellier have reported a fifth positive Covid-19 test ahead of Friday's scheduled Heineken Champions Cup game against Leinster in France.
"Following the series of tests carried out on Monday, December 13, Montpellier Herault Rugby formalises a new positive case for Covid-19 within the group," read a statement posted on Montpellier’s official website.
"This is the fifth case of contamination detected over a period of seven days in the Herault workforce, which considerably impacts the preparation for the match against Leinster Rugby scheduled for Friday, December 17.
"In view of the latest results, the people concerned have been isolated and the team is now carrying out training in separate groups before being tested again this Wednesday, December 15.
"The club remains mobilised by continuing to apply a strict and rigorous health policy in order to preserve the health of its players and staff."
Ulster v Northampton Saints:
Ulster Rugby
After a week in which Covid-19 cases caused havoc with the opening round of Heineken Champions Cup fixtures, Ulster assistant coach Dan Soper provided an update.
"All we can control is our own environment and how we go about our preparations, how we go about preventing that from impacting on us,” said Soper.
“That's a very difficult thing because unless you put players on a very tight leash that restricts their lives, they have to be people and get out there, be with their families that are coming back from school and from work.
"The guys over the past couple of years have been excellent in how they've done things, they've been very sensible with the protocols and following all the protocols that the majority of people are. We can only control what we can control. I guess there's a bit of luck involved as well.”
Harlequins v Cardiff Rugby:
Cardiff Rugby
Six members of Cardiff Rugby's squad and staff are serving another 10-day quarantine upon their return to the United Kingdom after they tested positive for coronavirus in South Africa.
The vast majority of the group flew back from Cape Town last week after a surge in cases of the Covid-19 Omicron variant led to South Africa being added to the United Kingdom's red list for travel.
Six squad and staff members were forced to stay behind and undergo a 10-day hotel quarantine after testing positive for coronavirus, however.
Scarlets v Bordeaux Begles:
Scarlets
Scarlets forfeited their European Champions Cup pool game against Bristol last weekend after the coronavirus crisis forced their players into quarantine.
The Scarlets had 32 players in quarantine at a Belfast hotel after flying home from South Africa, which is on the British government’s coronavirus red list.
It’s our final day of quarantine and as we prepare to head home to our families we have a huge amount of thanks to say to so many people for their help and generosity over the last couple of weeks ❤️ #RugbyFamily
— Scarlets Rugby (@scarlets_rugby) December 9, 2021
1/3 pic.twitter.com/l4t6labDny
Leicester Tigers v Connacht:
Leicester Tigers
Leicester Tigers are working on plans to address the main points of the Government's updated restrictions on Covid while still allowing supporters to book and visit the stadium safely.
The Government has revealed its ‘Plan B’ to slow the spread of Covid and the Omicron variant which includes restrictions on sporting venues.
As the announcement was only made on Wednesday evening, the clubs are not yet in receipt of full details, but Tigers will continue to work closely with local authorities and with rugby bodies including Premiership Rugby, the RFU and EPCR, organisers of the Heineken Champions Cup, on maintaining the safety of players and supporters.
Wasps
Wasps was forced into a slew of changes for their clash with Munster due a number of players testing positive for Covid-19 on the eve of their Round 1 game.
Four players, out-half Jacob Umaga, second-rows Sebastian de Chaves and Elliott Stooke and No 8 Tom Willis were ruled out of the game while a number of players have shifter positions.
In total, there are 13 changes to the team that was named on Friday, with Jimmy Gopperth moving to out-half and Luke Mehson coming on to the wing.
"Following the latest round of testing, Wasps can confirm a number of players and coaches will be unavailable for today’s game (Round 1) resulting in changes to the matchday squad," Wasps said.
"Please be advised though that today’s game against Munster will go ahead as planned.
"The health and safety of staff, players and supporters is paramount. The Club’s COVID-19 contact tracing, measures and protocols, which remain rigorous, will continue to be adhered to."
Wasps have not yet issued an update.
La Rochelle, Munster
La Rochelle had reported two positives in the run up to the match while the virus had a much more dramatic impact on the encounter between Wasps and Munster.
Wasps, without 17 injured players, lost four more to positive tests on Sunday morning. Munster have 34 personnel in quarantine following an ill-fated United Rugby Championship trip to South Africa, but still won.
Scarlets opted to concede their match to Bristol while a youthful Cardiff team lost 39-7 at home to champions Toulouse on Saturday.
Challenge Cup:
Pau vs Saracens:
A Covid-19 outbreak in Saracens camp sees the club withdraw from their Round 2 fixture against Pau on Saturday.
The club has taken the immediate action of closing the training ground and isolating all players, coaches and support staff.
The squad will return to full training on 24th December following the necessary period of isolation.
