Bloemfontein / Amsterdam – 12 January

What began as a New Year's journey from a blazing Bloemfontein ended with CEOs, coaches, players, volunteers, and die-hard rugby enthusiasts shovelling snow in sub-zero conditions in an extraordinary attempt to salvage the Toyota Cheetahs' EPCR Challenge Cup clash against Ulster.

Despite immense efforts from all parties involved, the much-anticipated fixture scheduled for 11 January was officially cancelled after the pitch was deemed unplayable and unsafe for players and officials.

Following exceptional severe weather and a municipality-mandated suspension of all outdoor sporting events in Amsterdam leading to securing an alternative venue, and despite the extensive efforts across the board to deliver a playable surface, the referee deemed the pitch unsafe due to the freezing conditions.

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The match had captured significant interest from the outset:

Friday, 2 January: The fixture sold out, ten days before kick-off

Friday, 9 January: Relocation announcement issued due to adverse weather conditions leading to municipality-mandated suspension of outdoor sporting events in Amsterdam, with player and match officials' safety taking precedence, game to be played behind closed doors at Dukes Rugby, s-Hertogenbosch.

Friday, 9 January: Relocations of game day logistics from Amsterdam to 's-Hertogenbosch.

Saturday, 10 January: Dukes Rugby Club issued a call to action for volunteer assistance.

Sunday, 11 January: Following a pitch inspection by the match referee one hour before kick-off, in order to maximise the time in which the pitch could be prepared, he decided that the pitch was not safe to play on, with player and match official safety being prioritised. The game was postponed until further notice.

Sunday, 11 January (22:45): Official notice that the game was cancelled.

Pursuant to EPRC regulations, and all factors considered, it is the hosting club's responsibility to ensure the match can go ahead; therefore, the match result was recorded as a 0-28 four-try bonus point win for Ulster Rugby.

EPCR acknowledged the incredible efforts by the Toyota Cheetahs and Rugby Nederland to ensure the fixture could take place, and thanked all parties for their support.

The Toyota Cheetahs offer a special word of thanks to Dukes Rugby Club and its remarkable community, who rallied together in true rugby spirit. Volunteers worked across the weekend shovelling snow from the pitch in the hope of hosting the match on their home ground.

Club President Robert van Schayk led the call to action and expertly project-managed an outstanding operation that exemplified the game's values.

Recognition and great appreciation must also go to Rugby Nederland, who successfully sold out the stadium by 2 January and worked tirelessly for months to host the Toyota Cheetahs' two home fixtures. A heartfelt thank you to Erik Bosman, Yoran Stroop, Marielle ten Rouwelaar, and the entire team at Rugby Nederland for their commitment, professionalism and unwavering support.

"No effort in life is ever wasted. Every situation holds a reason and a lesson, even if we only see it clearly when we look back." Said Rory Duncan, CEO of the Free State Cheetahs (Pty) Ltd.

Ultimately, the decision to cancel the match was taken out of rugby's hands. The Municipality of Amsterdam suspended all sporting events for public safety reasons, leaving organisers with few viable alternatives and the unprecedented extreme weather conditions led to the alternative venue also without a playable pitch. The match referee, Kevin Bralley, in line with regulations and safety protocols, made the final call to cancel the fixture after allowing as much time as possible to secure the playability of the pitch. Player and match official safety is paramount in the delivery of EPCR’s fixtures. The Cheetahs would like to thank EPCR for giving every opportunity to get the match played.

While the battle against the elements was lost, the rugby community's effort, unity and passion stood as a powerful reminder of what the sport represents: resilience, teamwork and unwavering commitment.