"The independent match risk assessment commission (...) has expressed its concerns to the EPCR following new positive Covid-19 test results among the Leinster Rugby workforce. Unfortunately, the decision to cancel the match has been taken, "European professional club rugby (EPCR) said in a statement.
Montpellier is "considered the winner on the score of 28-0 with five classification points allocated, in accordance with the tournament regulations," said the manager of continental club competitions.
Leinster, for its part, expressed its "disappointment" in a statement.
"The players and staff have undergone five rounds of antigen tests and four of PCR tests in the last six days and a group of players, who have passed all these stages, have been selected to represent the club in France "the Irish team wrote.
"After these test results and the measures taken, a letter was sent to Leinster by Public Health Ireland (the health authority in Ireland, editor's note) confirming that the group could travel to France. Leinster complied with the measures and protocols required by the EPCR and will continue to do so. While we are disappointed, our priority now is the health and well being of our players and staff, "Leinster added.
This is the second European Cup match canceled for reasons related to the coronavirus after the one won without playing by the English Bristol at the expense of the Welsh team of the Scarlets (28-0) last Saturday on the first day .
The Scarlets, of which 32 players and staff were then in quarantine as part of the anti-Covid measures, had to forfeit.
For its part, Montpellier announced on Tuesday a fifth positive Covid-19 case and had accordingly adapted its training, with separate groups.
But no new contamination was recorded in the Hérault ranks at the end of the tests carried out on Wednesday.
© 2021 AFP