The match was due to be played on Sunday at Dukes Rugby Club in ’s-Hertogenbosch, but was called off at the last minute following a pitch inspection by match-day referee Kevin Bralley. After assessing the surface, officials deemed the field unsafe for play, leaving organisers with little option but to postpone the encounter.

This latest setback followed an already disrupted week for both teams. The fixture was originally scheduled to take place at the NRCA Stadium in Amsterdam, regarded as the home of Dutch rugby. However, severe snowfall and freezing conditions in the capital forced Amsterdam Municipality officials to rule that none of the city’s fields were suitable for play. As a result, the match was relocated earlier in the week to a venue approximately 90 kilometres south of Amsterdam.

Despite hopes that conditions would improve ahead of Sunday’s kick-off, EPCR confirmed shortly before the scheduled start that the game would not go ahead.

“Following a pitch inspection by the Toyota Cheetahs v Ulster Rugby match-day referee Kevin Bralley, his decision is that the pitch is unplayable,” EPCR said in a statement.

“His recommendation to EPCR, Toyota Cheetahs and Ulster Rugby is that the pitch at Dukes Rugby is not safe for today’s fixture to take place as scheduled at 14:00 local time (15:00 SA time).

“The match is thus postponed until further notice. EPCR will convene its Board Crisis Management Group to consider next steps.”

Off the field, the Cheetahs were also forced into a late squad change, with Sharks-bound loosehead prop Cameron Dawson ruled out shortly before kick-off. At this stage, the reason for his withdrawal remains unclear, whether due to injury, illness or tactical considerations.

Young tighthead prop Ben Pitout was drafted onto the bench as cover and was in line to make his Challenge Cup debut, had the match gone ahead.

The Free State side will now turn their attention to their next Challenge Cup assignment, a daunting away clash against French Top 14 heavyweights Racing 92. That fixture is scheduled for Sunday, 18 January, at the La Défense Arena in Paris, with kick-off set for 19:30 (SA time).

Morgan Piek OFM Sport