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Statement: Bath vs Toulon rescheduled for Sunday but not at The Rec
By Liam Heagney
Saturday’s postponed European Challenge Cup match between Bath and Toulon has been rescheduled for Sunday but it won’t be played at The Rec. Bath’s home ground has been having issues with flooding and the decision was taken to instead switch the game to Kingsholm, the home of Gloucester.
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A statement read: “The EPCR Challenge Cup round three fixture between Bath Rugby and RC Toulon has been rescheduled for Kingsholm on Sunday at 15.15 local time.
“The Pool A contest was due to be played on Saturday at the Recreation Ground. However, following a pitch and stadium safety inspection by the match referee, Chris Busby (Ireland), the Bath Rugby safety officer and officials from both clubs, it was decided to postpone the match.
“Due to heavy and persistent rainfall over recent days in the Bath area, the pitch was deemed unplayable, and with flooding in and around entrances to the Recreation Ground and on the key approach routes, the venue was also deemed unsafe for supporters to attend.
“With further rainfall expected overnight and no guarantee that The Rec would be playable tomorrow, and with Bath’s designated alternative venue, Kingsholm, unavailable today due to the Heineken Champions Cup match between Gloucester Rugby and Leinster Rugby, it has been decided to play the fixture tomorrow.
𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧 👀💦#ParceQueToulon #BATRCT pic.twitter.com/9VKiKmb1Yt
— RCT – RC Toulon (@RCTofficiel) January 14, 2023
“Bath Rugby, RC Toulon and their respective Leagues – Premiership Rugby and the LNR – are all in agreement with the rescheduling and relocation at short notice. Ticketing information for the match will be clarified by Bath Rugby as soon as possible. EPCR would like to thank Gloucester Rugby for making Kingsholm available.”
In an earlier statement, Bath explained: “There has been flooding in and around entrances to The Rec and on the key approach routes to the stadium, particularly at the south end of the stadium. There are up to eight inches of standing water in areas of the stadium, meaning it is not safe for supporters to attend.”
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