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EPCR statement: Covid-19 protocols review

By Online Editors
(Photo by INPHO via EPCR)

The EPCR have held a meeting to discuss their Covid-19 protocols, hot on the heels of rumblings from France suggesting a number of Top 14 clubs are not entirely satisfied with the status quo in relation to controlling the virus.

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Bayonne effectively withdrew from any further involvement in the Challenge Cup after they blamed their match with Leicester Tigers for an outbreak of Covid-19 in their squad.

The French club have released a statement outlining that some of their players have tested positive for the new strain of the virus, and that cases in the squad rose following their home match against Leicester on December 19.

Now the EPCR say they reviewing their existing measures. The statement reads: “The EPCR Medical Advisory Group, comprising medical leads of its shareholder leagues and unions, met by video conference today (Monday, 4 January) as part of an ongoing review of the COVID-19 protocols for the Heineken Champions Cup and European Rugby Challenge Cup tournaments.

“Key topics discussed included testing schedules, contact tracing and case management, matchday risk assessment, cross-border travel and protocol compliance, and the Medical Advisory Group also received independent input from leading Swiss-based physician and virologist, Dr Daniel Koch, during what was a productive meeting.

“Outcomes of the meeting will be communicated as soon as is practicable, and EPCR will be making no further comment until that time.

“In addition, it can be confirmed that no club participating in the Heineken Champions Cup or Challenge Cup has officially informed EPCR of any intention not to fulfil their remaining fixtures in the 2020/21 season.”

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Bull Shark 19 minutes ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically. I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

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