LAST UPDATE | 11 Dec 2017
THE MUCH-ANTICIPATED European Champions Cup match between Saracens and Clermont will go ahead today after being postponed on Sunday because of poor weather.
The clash, which pitted the top two sides in Pool 2 against each other, was due to be a repeat of last year’s final, in which Saracens triumphed over the French club 28-17 at Murrayfield in May to retain their European crown.
“Saracens can confirm that their round three European Rugby Champions Cup fixture versus ASM Clermont Auvergne has been called-off due to the adverse weather conditions surrounding Allianz Park,” the English club announced yesterday.
Parts of Britain have been hit by heavy snow and high winds, with flights, train and road travel all severely disrupted.
The fixture has been rearranged for 5.30pm today.
The original plan was for the game to be played behind closed doors without fans due to “health and safety concerns” over continuing bad weather, but that decision has since been reversed.
Part of a statement from on English side’s official website published on Monday read as follows:
“The postponed Champions Cup Round 3 fixture between Saracens and ASM Clermont Auvergne will now be played TODAY (Monday, 11 December) at Allianz Park with the kick-off scheduled for 5.30pm (UK time).
“Stadium staff have been working closely with EPCR to try and ensure this fixture takes place in front of fans – having assessed the stadium facilities overnight, we can now advise that all tickets from yesterday (General admission and Season Card Holders) are valid today and the stadium will be open for fans to come and watch the game.
“As it stands, this game will go ahead, as described above. As a club we are battling with the elements to ensure the stadium is a safe environment for fans to watch the game. However, if you are planning to attend, we ask that you check www.saracens.com or one of our Social Media channels regularly throughout the day for updates.”
Additional reporting by Paul Fennessy
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