LAST UPDATE | 14 Dec 2021
LEINSTER AND MONTPELLIER have both reported additional cases of Covid-19 within their camps ahead of Friday’s Heineken Champions Cup fixture in France.
The French side are due to host Leinster in a round two clash on Friday night, but both squads have been hit by Covid in the last week.
Yesterday, Leinster cancelled training as a precautionary measure after three players and one member of staff returned positive tests ahead of last Saturday’s win over Bath.
And now the province have confirmed that an unspecified, additional number of senior players have tested positive and are now self-isolating, putting Friday’s fixture in major doubt.
Despite the new cases, the remaining members of the Leinster squad will take part in training at UCD today.
“Leinster Rugby returned to training today at UCD following yesterday’s postponement and a full round of antigen and PCR tests which were carried out on site,” a Leinster statement read.
“Leinster Rugby can confirm that the club is assisting an additional number of senior players who have tested positive for Covid-19 and are now self-isolating.
“The latest cases follow the antigen and PCR testing which were carried out at Leinster Rugby on all players, coaches and staff.
“The HSE has been informed in accordance with public health guidelines, as has EPCR.
“The remaining members of the Leinster Rugby squad will train today in UCD and will continue to test daily and take all necessary precautions ahead of Friday’s Heineken Champions Cup game against Montpellier in France.”
Montpellier had also postponed training on Monday after reporting four positive tests. Two staff members tested positive on Friday, and two players tested positive following the French side’s defeat away to Exeter on Saturday. Montpellier then confirmed a fifth positive test on Tuesday morning.
“Following the series of tests carried out on Monday, December 13, Montpellier Hérault Rugby formalises a new positive case for Covid-19 within the group,” a Montpellier statement read.
“This is the fifth case of contamination detected over a period of seven days in the Hérault workforce, which considerably impacts the preparation for the match against Leinster Rugby scheduled for Friday, December 17.
“In view of the latest results, the people concerned have been isolated and the team is now carrying out training in separate groups before being tested again this Wednesday, December 15.”
In the event of a Champions Cup fixture being cancelled, EPCR award a 28-0 walkover in favour of the team deemed not responsible for the outbreak.
