Earlier in the week, the Lions confirmed nine direct and indirect Covid-19 cases in the camp, and on the morning of the game, two more players tested positive.

According to an insider, the two teams tried to reschedule the match for today, however, that was not possible. The tournament's tight schedule also leaves little room for rescheduling.

Cheetahs coach, Hawies Fourie, told OFM Sport that he feels for the players that would have played in their last game for the team.

“I’m really feeling sorry for the guys leaving us. Benhard (Janse van Rensburg), Jasper (Wiese) and Walt (Steenkamp), they really wanted to end off at the Cheetahs on a high.

“Their teammates also wanted to give a good send-off, but it wasn’t to be. We understand the reasons and we’ve got to see the bigger picture.

“The game was called off by someone from the government and there is nothing that we can do about it.

Meanwhile, three new players will be reporting for duty at the Cheetahs on Monday.

Fourie confirmed that the new signings will start their contract on Sunday.

“Jeandré Rudolph’s contract with us starts on the 1st of November, so he will still play for the Pumas this weekend and then he will join us from next week Monday.

“So we expect him to be arriving in Bloemfontein soon.

“Then, Victor Sekekete and Ian Groenewald from the Griquas will also be arriving on Monday.”

The Cheetahs enjoy a bye this week.