The Champions Cup pool stage are set to be completed as planned, after the EPCR confirmed travel exemptions would apply between France and the UK.
Last month, tournament organisers were forced to postpone several games in both the Champions and Challenge Cup on short notice, after heightened travel restrictions were introduced between France and the UK, to slow the spread of Covid-19.
While the travel restrictions were not set to impact any of the four Irish provinces, there had been doubts over whether or not Rounds 3 and 4 could be played, but the EPCR have this afternoon confirmed teams will be exempt from the new border controls.
"Following dialogue with the leagues and unions, EPCR has been informed that exemptions for what is termed the 'pursuit of an economic activity' which have been put in place by the French government will apply to clubs and match officials who are travelling between France and the UK," a tournament statement reads.
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"Further information will also be sought from the French authorities regarding possible new conditions which may be applicable to travel between France and the UK.
"While recognising that these are particularly challenging times for all its stakeholders, EPCR will continue to work with the leagues and unions so that this month's matches can be played safely.
"The leading eight Heineken Champions Cup clubs from each of the pools will qualify for the knockout stage, and with 10 clubs progressing to the Challenge Cup Round of 16, plus a further six qualifiers from the Heineken Champions Cup ahead of the Marseille finals next May, EPCR is optimistic that this season’s tournaments will be played to a successful conclusion."
However, the EPCR say they are yet to confirm details of when the five postponed Round 2 matches will take place, adding that "discussions are ongoing", with the relevant stakeholders.
Leinster are due to take on Montpellier at the RDS in Round 3 on Sunday 16 January, although doubts have emerged as to whether the game will go ahead, with the French side reporting several Covid-19 cases in their camp, which has seen this weekend's scheduled Top14 game against Toulouse postponed.
The outlook seems clearer for Munster, Connacht and Ulster, however, who are due to face Castres, Leicester Tigers and Northampton Saints respectively.
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