Bristol Bears have confirmed the club's long awaited return of fans at Ashton Gate will go on.
A small crowd of 1,000 fans was due to be admitted to Bristol's home game against Leicester Tigers at the club's 27,000 seat stadium on on September 30.
However following new government directives issues today the pilot event has been cancelled meaning the game will be behind closed doors once again.
The move comes following a wave of new restrictions introduced by the government to prevent the rise of the Covid-19 infection rate which is once again on the rise in the UK.
A statement from the club today read: 'Bristol Bears regret to confirm that, following government advice, the Gallagher Premiership fixture versus Leicester Tigers will now be played behind closed doors.
'The round 21 game had been allocated as a test event to pilot the safe return of 1,000 spectators, adhering to strict social distancing measures.
'The club apologises for any inconvenience caused to those who claimed a ticket in the ballot and we thank our supporters for your continued patience and backing as we work tirelessly to see the safe return of crowds to Ashton Gate in the future.'
More to follow....
