Exeter Chiefs’ clash against Toulouse cancelled after Covid outbreak at reigning champions

Exeter’s showpiece Champions Cup game against Toulouse on Sunday has been cancelled after a Covid-19 outbreak at the English club. 

As revealed by Sportsmail, tournament organisers made the decision to call off the game after being locked in meetings with club officials.

The Chiefs were alerted on Wednesday morning that a significant number of players had tested positive – and they were immediately placed into self-isolation. 

Exeter Chiefs’ game against Toulouse on Sunday has been cancelled after a Covid outbreak

Rob Baxter’s side started their European campaign with a thrashing of Glasgow on Sunday

The defending champions kicked off their title defence with a 42-0 thumping of Glasgow but they now face an uphill challenge to qualify.

Toulouse are one of their biggest title rivals and the result of the cancelled match will now be determined by a Match Result Resolution Committee.

Subsequently, Glasgow’s game against Lyon has also been cancelled.

An official statement confirmed the decicion: ‘EPCR has been informed that a number of Exeter Chiefs players and staff have tested positive for COVID-19, and that in accordance with public health guidelines, the club will not be able to send a match day squad to fulfil its Heineken Champions Cup, Round 2 fixture against Toulouse at Stade Ernest Wallon on Sunday (20 December). 

‘The Pool B match is therefore cancelled.

With Glasgow players now self-isolating, their game against Lyon has also been called off 

‘As Exeter Chiefs played against Glasgow Warriors in Round 1 of the tournament, Glasgow Warriors have advised EPCR that many of its senior players are now self-isolating in accordance with public health guidelines…

‘Consequently, the club is not in a position to field a match day squad of the appropriate standard for its Heineken Champions Cup, Round 2 fixture against Lyon at Scotstoun Stadium on Saturday (19 December). The Pool B match between Glasgow Warriors and Lyon is therefore also cancelled.

‘As per its COVID-19 protocol, EPCR will convene Match Result Resolution Committees to determine the results of the cancelled matches and the decisions of the committees will be communicated as soon as practicable.’