Panthers vs Ulster: Ulster secured maximum points after their Challenge Cup tie in Holland was cancelled

Ulster secured a 28-0 win and maximum points as European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) confirmed that Sunday’s Challenge Cup tie against the Panthers in Holland would not be rescheduled.

The two teams were scheduled to meet in Amsterdam at 15:15 GMT, but with temperatures expected to drop below zero, it was decided on Friday that the field at NRCA Stadium would not be playable.

The match has been moved to Duke Rugby Club in the southernmost city of S-Hertogenbosch and the kick-off time has been moved forward to 1:00 GMT and will be played behind closed doors.

However, after more snow and freezing temperatures overnight, the European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) said the pitch was “deemed by the referee to be unworkable and to pose a safety risk to the players”.

Initially, EPCR said the game had been “postponed until further notice” and would “convene its board’s crisis management group to consider next steps.”

However, they confirmed on Sunday evening that the match had been officially called off and Ulster were awarded a bonus point for the win.

“EPCR has taken the decision to cancel the EPCR Challenge Cup third round match between the Toyota Cheetahs and Ulster Rugby,” an EPCR statement read.

“After reviewing all available information, the result of the match should be recorded as a 0-28 win over Ulster Rugby, and five points will then be awarded to Ulster Rugby.

“Despite the obvious challenges associated with playing this match, and noting the incredible efforts made by the Toyota Cheetahs and Rugby Nederland to ensure the match goes ahead, it is the responsibility of the host club to ensure the match goes ahead and the result of the match must therefore be recorded as a four-point win for Ulster Rugby by 0-28, with five match points awarded as a result, in accordance with the EPCR regulations.”

Speaking to BBC Sport on Sunday afternoon, Ulster said they were “disappointed” the match would not go ahead, but the welfare of the players must be the top priority.

He added: “The safety of players, referees and fans must always be a priority, and we respect the referee’s decision after inspecting the stadium.”

Ulster now move into Group C and secure a place in the last 16 after taking five points following an opening win over Racing 92 in their opening European fixture before a narrow defeat in Cardiff. The Panthers now remain without a point after previous defeats to Exeter Chiefs and Stade Francais.