‘s-Hertogenbosch (Parliament Politics Magazine) January 11, 2026 – European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) postponed the Challenge Cup pool stage match between Toyota Cheetahs and Ulster Rugby minutes before kick-off on Sunday.
Referee Kevin Bralley deemed the pitch at Dukes Rugby Club unplayable following a late inspection amid freezing temperatures in the Netherlands. The fixture, relocated from Amsterdam, will be rescheduled, with both clubs now facing fixture congestion.
Ulster Rugby confirmed the referee’s decision in an immediate official statement on X,
“Following a pitch inspection by the Toyota Cheetahs v Ulster Rugby match day referee Kevin Bralley, his decision is that the pitch is unplayable. His recommendation to EPCR, Toyota Cheetahs and Ulster Rugby is that the pitch at Dukes Rugby is not safe for today’s fixture to take place as scheduled at 1400 local time. The match is thus postponed until further notice. EPCR will convene its Board Crisis Management Group to consider next steps.”
The decision came at 15:40 local time, 20 minutes before the scheduled 16:00 GMT start. According to the BBC, the EPCR said the game “postponed until further notice” and will “convene its Board Crisis Management Group to consider next steps.”
EPCR cited adverse weather conditions rendering the surface unsafe, with frost and ice covering the field despite earlier checks passing. Ulster players, already warming up, returned to their hotel, while Cheetahs staff expressed disappointment over travel logistics.
How did EPCR and officials determine the Cheetahs-Ulster pitch was Unsafe?
Match officials conducted a final inspection at 15:00, initially approving play, but deteriorating weather prompted a recheck. Ice patches and frozen grass made footing treacherous, violating World Rugby safety standards. EPCR match director Mark Egan confirmed the call prioritised player welfare, with temperatures hovering at minus 3 Celsius and wind chill dropping lower.
Rugby journalist Jan de Koning confirmed the postponement details in an X post,
“Following a pitch inspection by the Cheetahs v Ulster referee Kevin Bralley, his decision is that the pitch is unplayable. His recommendation to EPCR, Cheetahs and Ulster is that the pitch at Dukes Rugby is not safe. The match is thus postponed until further notice.”
The venue, Dukes Rugby Club in s-Hertogenbosch, was used after Amsterdam’s NRCA Stadium failed earlier inspections. Ground staff attempted to heat lamps and covers overnight, but sub-zero conditions proved insurmountable. Ulster captain Iain Henderson addressed players post-cancellation, praising EPCR’s caution.
Why was the Cheetahs-Ulster match venue moved last minute?
Originally set for Amsterdam, the match moved 100km south due to similar frost issues across Dutch pitches. Cheetahs flew from Bloemfontein via Johannesburg, arriving on Thursday, only to face the late switch. Ulster travelled from Belfast on Saturday morning, checking into their hotel before the inspection.
EPCR regulations mandate neutral venues for South African clubs in Europe, with the Netherlands selected for accessibility. Initial plans for Zwolle were abandoned on Wednesday, forcing rapid rearrangements. Both teams now face Champions Cup commitments midweek, complicating rescheduling.
How does EPCR plan to reschedule the Ulster-Cheetahs match?
Ulster entered unbeaten in Challenge Cup pool play, defeating Clermont Auvergne and Exeter Chiefs. Cheetahs, seeking a first win after losses to Clermont and Edinburgh, named fullback Michael Annies and flank Ed Wilco Louw in their starting XV. Weather forecasts predicted continued freezes through Monday, limiting immediate replay options.
RTE.ie confirmed EPCR would consult both unions within 48 hours for a new date, likely mid-February during the Six Nations break. The Round 3 fixture pitted Pool 3 leaders Ulster (10 points) against basement Cheetahs (0 points).
How do weather delays impact Challenge Cup qualification and fans?
A Cheetahs win would revive qualification hopes for the knockouts, while Ulster aimed to secure a home last-16 tie. The Irish Examiner noted four Irish provinces active this weekend, with Munster facing Toulon simultaneously. Postponement marks the third weather-related cancellation in Challenge Cup history.
EPCR’s protocol requires dual inspections for temperatures below zero, strictly enforced post-player injury concerns. Fan reaction focused on insurance coverage for away supporters travelling from Belfast.
How does postponement affect Ulster’s European schedule and squad?
Ulster’s busy schedule includes a January 17 Champions Cup clash with La Rochelle, followed by Zebre in the URC. Coach Richie Murphy expressed frustration over travel costs but accepted the safety rationale. Scrum-half John Cooney told BBC Sport the squad remained professional despite disappointment.
Social media showed images of the iced pitch, with white frost visible across the entire surface. EPCR released a statement confirming full refunds for tickets and broadcast rights adjustments.
What do delays mean for Cheetahs’ European Challenge Cup campaign?
Toyota Cheetahs now contemplate flying home without playing or awaiting a rescheduled date. Director of Rugby Fraser Erasmus highlighted visa and quarantine considerations for European return. South African franchises prioritise Challenge Cup progression for European exposure.
Postponement disrupts momentum after a 32-28 URC win over the Bulls. Match officials, including South African TV referee Stuart Terblanche, redeployed to other games.
How did freezing weather disrupt European Rugby fixtures?
Freezing conditions affected multiple fixtures, with French Top 14 matches postponed and English Premiership grounds under review. Munster’s Toulon trip proceeded on a covered pitch at Stade Mayol. World Rugby issued cold-weather guidelines last month, mandating pitch thermometers and slip testing.
Netherlands Rugby Union president René Snoeys apologised to clubs, citing unusual January severity. EPCR contingency plans include relocating to indoor venues or southern Europe if needed.
How does EPCR handle postponement and rescheduling procedures?
The 42 detailed bonus point implications are suspended pending replay. European Rugby’s fixture calendar allows flexibility through March, with knockout qualification determined post-Round 4. Both clubs notified players’ unions, ensuring IRFU and SARU compliance.
Referee Kevin Bralley consulted captains Henderson and Cheetahs’ Victor Sekekete before the final call. World Rugby’s 2023 trials introduced frozen pitch protocols, requiring 80 per cent grip resistance.
How do historical cancellations inform EPCR rescheduling decisions?
Past cancellations include 2014’s Harlequins-Warriors (snow) and 2021’s multiple COVID-weather doubles. EPCR precedent awards hosting rights to the original home team upon replay. Ulster hosted the reverse fixture last season, winning 33-17 in Belfast.
Dutch rugby venues rarely host major European games, with NRCA Stadium’s 2019 Scarlets match the exception. ‘s-Hertogenbosch’s facilities met EPCR standards pre-freeze, hosting age-grade internationals successfully.
What role did player safety play in freezing-weather cancellations?
BBC NI rugby correspondent Tim Clements noted Ulster physios flagged concerns during walk-throughs.
The postponement underscores climate challenges for northern hemisphere rugby, with southern hemisphere tours increasingly preferred. EPCR plans pitch resilience investments for future seasons.