Sunday’s EPCR Challenge Cup match between the Cheetahs and Ulster was called off shortly before kick-off.

The fixture had already been moved from the Cheetahs’ home base of the NRCA Stadium in Amsterdam to behind closed doors at Dukes Rugby in ‘s-Hertogenbosch due to the brutally cold conditions sweeping across northern Europe.

In a statement on Sunday, EPCR said: “Following a pitch inspection by the Cheetahs vs Ulster match day referee Kevin Bralley, his decision is that the pitch is unplayable.

“His recommendation to EPCR, the Cheetahs and Ulster is that the pitch at Dukes Rugby is not safe for today’s fixture to take place as scheduled at 2pm local time.

“The match is thus postponed until further notice. EPCR will convene its board crisis management group to consider next steps.”

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After opening round losses to Exeter and Stade Français, the Cheetahs sit bottom of Pool 3 and are still searching for their first points.

Their final pool fixture is against Racing 92 in Paris.

Photo: Bryan Keane/INPHO