The fixture was originally scheduled to take place at the NRCA Stadium in Amsterdam, but adverse winter weather forced organisers into a late venue change. Heavy snow and persistent rain rendered several pitches in the city unplayable, prompting the match to be relocated on Friday to ’s-Hertogenbosch, approximately 90km south of Amsterdam.

However, just hours before Sunday’s scheduled kick-off at the Dukes Rugby Club, French referee Kevin Bralley ruled the pitch unfit for play following a final inspection. Serious player safety concerns were raised, leaving officials with little option but to postpone the contest at the eleventh hour.

Ulster players inspecting the pitch in ’s-Hertogenbosch. Photo: Adam McKendry

Later on Sunday evening, competition organisers EPCR, confirmed that the match had been cancelled in its entirety. In accordance with tournament regulations, Ulster were handed a 28-0 victory, along with a full complement of five log points. 

The Cheetahs, meanwhile, received none – a decision that effectively ended their already slim hopes of reaching the playoffs for a third time. 

In a statement issued after 22:30 on Sunday, EPCR confirmed that, as the designated “home” team, responsibility rested with the Cheetahs to ensure the fixture could be fulfilled. “EPCR has made the decision to cancel the EPCR Challenge Cup Pool 3 Round 3 fixture between Toyota Cheetahs and Ulster Rugby,” the statement read.

“Upon review of all the information available, the match result should be recorded as a 0-28 win to Ulster Rugby, and five points will subsequently be awarded to Ulster Rugby.

“Despite the obvious challenges connected with the playing of this fixture, and noting the incredible efforts of the Toyota Cheetahs and Rugby Nederland to ensure the fixture could take place, it is the hosting club’s responsibility to ensure the match can go ahead. 

“Therefore, the match result must be recorded as a 0-28 four-try bonus-point win for Ulster Rugby, with five match points being awarded as a consequence, pursuant to EPCR regulations.

Dukes Rugby Club in ’s-Hertogenbosch. Photo: Adam McKendry

“EPCR would like to thank Toyota Cheetahs, Rugby Nederland and Ulster Rugby for their support throughout this process.”

The outcome will undoubtedly leave a bitter taste for the Bloemfontein outfit, who had spoken ahead of the tour about controlling the controllable. Unfortunately, this was one variable entirely beyond their influence.

Attention will now turn to the next challenge on the road, with the Cheetahs set to face French heavyweights Racing 92 in Paris. That encounter is scheduled for Sunday (18/01) at the La Défense Arena, with kick-off at 19:30 (SA time).

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek mvh