THE Champions Cup and Challenge Cup semi-finals and finals are the latest sporting events to be indefinitely postponed.
EPCR, who run the two tournaments, had already called off the quarter-finals that were due to take place the weekend after next - including the Leinster v Saracens and Toulouse v Ulster ties.
European club rugby chiefs have had no option but to call off the semi-finals, which were to be played on the first weekend of May, and also the finals weekend in Marseille (May 22/23).
In a statement released this morning, EPCR said that is striving to restructure a finish to their season in conjunction with the relevant unions and also with the PRO14, the Premiership and Top 14 - whose seasons have also been unpended by the coronavirus pandemic.
"EPCR remains committed to completing the 2019/20 Heineken Champions Cup and Challenge Cup season, and it is planned to reschedule the quarter-final and semi-final matches, as well as the Marseille finals, in line with fixtures in the professional league competitions, subject to advice from government and local authorities," pledged the EPCR in a statement.
Tickets already purchased for the Marseille finals will be valid for the new dates when announced, but fans who are unable to attend will be entitled to a refund.
"In making the decision, the Board is abiding by the official directives and recommendations of the relevant authorities in its territories to restrict the COVID-19 pandemic," the statement added.
"In light of the earlier postponement of its quarter-final matches and with fixtures in Europe’s professional league competitions currently suspended due to the public health crisis, EPCR believes it necessary to provide as much clarity as possible to all stakeholders regarding the knockout stages of its tournaments.
"To that end, EPCR is working with the leagues and unions to restructure a conclusion to its season as part of a wider rescheduling of the remainder of the season in Europe, with all contingencies underpinned by the requirement to protect the health and welfare of players, club staff, match officials, supporters and the wider rugby community.
"EPCR would like to thank Olympique de Marseille, the staff at the Orange Vélodrome and all local and regional partners for their continuing collaboration, and an update regarding the knockout stages of the Heineken Champions Cup and Challenge Cup will be communicated as soon as practicable."
