Bristol Bears, Bristol City and Bristol Rovers are all set to have games moved next weekend as sporting fixtures around the UK will be moved to avoid a clash with the funeral of Prince Philip it has been confirmed.
The Duke of Edinburgh who passed away on Friday at the age of 99 and his funeral will be held on Saturday, April 17.
A national minute’s silence will be observed as the ceremonial royal funeral begins at 3pm.
Sporting bodies in the UK are currently holding discussions to move scheduled games so as not to clash with ceremony out of respect.
Bristol Bears' Round 16 Gallagher Premiership game away at Kingston Park on Saturday which was scheduled for a 2pm kick-off and the 3pm fixture involving Harlequins and Worcester Warriors at The Twickenham Stoop are both set to be moved.
A Premiership Rugby spokesperson told The Guardian: “As a mark of respect for HRH Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, Premiership Rugby can confirm that all Gallagher Premiership Rugby matches scheduled to be played between 3pm and 4pm on Saturday 17 April will be moved to avoid a clash with his funeral service.
"We have already started discussing the logistical details with our clubs and broadcasters and will make an announcement as soon as possible.”
The Football League has also announced that matches scheduled to begin at 3pm will be rearranged.
An EFL spokesperson said: “As a mark of respect, EFL matches scheduled for 3pm on Saturday 17 April will be moved to avoid a clash with the funeral of HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. The EFL will now work with its clubs to determine at what time the matches will be played, giving consideration to the timing of the service. An announcement will follow in due course.”
Championship side Bristol City were scheduled to play away at Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday afternoon while League One side Bristol Rovers were due to play Lincoln City at the Memorial Stadium at 3pm.
As things stand the current fixtures for Round 16 of the 2020/21 Gallagher Premiership are:
Friday, April 16
Northampton Saints v London Irish - 7.45pm ko
Saturday, April 17
Sale Sharks v Gloucester - 1pm ko
Newcastle Falcons v Bristol Bears - 2pm ko
Harlequins v Worcester Warriors - 3pm ko
Exeter Chiefs v Wasps - 4.30pm ko
Sunday, April 18
Bath v Leicester Tigers - 3pm ko
