Toulouse have had to forfeit their Champions Cup clash with Cardiff this weekend after a Covid outbreak in the defending champions’ camp.
Reports in France say that Ugo Mola’s side have around 10 positive cases in the playing and coaching staff and training has been heavily disrupted this week.
Positive cases were isolated on Monday and limited training took place on Tuesday morning before the afternoon session was cancelled
No training took place on Wednesday and Thursday as the club awaited the results of tests.
But on Friday morning, Toulouse named their side to welcome Cardiff, which did not include international stars Cyril Baille, Antoine Dupont, Romain Ntamack or Peato Mauvaka.
It was reported that all 23 players who were named to play at the Stade Ernest Wallon had tested negative this week.
But it seems EPCR have not been satisfied that Covid safety regulations could be met given the number of cases in the squad and, as such, determined the game cannot go ahead.
WalesOnline understands that Cardiff have been awarded a 28-0 victory, moving them up to seven league points in Pool B, with an announcement due imminently.
They will reach the knockout stages of the Champions Cup provided that Castres – currently on three points – do not beat Harlequins on Friday night and Stade Francais – currently on two points – do not win with a bonus point against Connacht on Sunday.
The Scarlets - also on two points - could also catch Cardiff if they win with a bonus point against Bristol and they also need Wasps - currently on six points - to get nothing away at Munster on Sunday.
It would be a remarkable tale for the Welsh side.
In round one of the competition, the Blue and Blacks welcomed the star-studded Toulouse side with 42 players missing due to injuries and Covid quarantine after the team’s nightmare trip to South Africa.
They named 11 debutants in a side made up largely of academy and semi-pro players, with a handful of internationals also involved.
The Arms Park outfit were also forced to name a similarly unfamiliar side the following week against English champions Harlequins. They gave an outstanding account of themselves but lost both matches.
