Exeter Chiefs' clash against Toulouse cancelled after fears of Covid outbreak at reigning champions

Exeter’s showpiece Champions Cup game against Toulouse has been cancelled after a suspected Covid outbreak.

Sportsmail understands that tournament organisers were locked in meetings on Wednesday afternoon amidst fears of an outbreak at the Chiefs.

The defending champions kicked off their title defence with a 42-0 thumping of Glasgow but they may now have to forfeit their game against Toulouse.

Any decision will be based upon the scale of the outbreak.

A statement released by Exeter on Wednesday afternoon read: ‘EPCR has been informed that a number of Exeter Chiefs players and staff have tested positive for COVID-19, and that in accordance with public health guidelines, the club will not be able to send a match-day squad to fulfil its Heineken Champions Cup, Round 2 fixture against Toulouse at Stade Ernest Wallon on Sunday, December 20.

‘The Pool B match is therefore cancelled.

‘As Exeter Chiefs played against Glasgow Warriors in Round 1 of the tournament, Glasgow Warriors have advised EPCR that many of its senior players are now self-isolating in accordance with guidelines from Public Health Scotland, and consequently, the club is not in a position to field a match day squad of the appropriate standard for its Heineken Champions Cup, Round 2 fixture against Lyon at Scotstoun Stadium on Saturday, December 19.

‘The Pool B match between Glasgow Warriors and Lyon is therefore also cancelled.

‘As per its COVID-19 protocol, EPCR will convene Match Result Resolution Committees to determine the results of the cancelled matches and the decisions of the committees will be communicated as soon as practicable.’

More to follow…