Earlier kick-off for Gloucester clash

By Mark Stevens
19/3/21

Premiership Rugby can confirm that it is changing the kick-off time for next weekend’s big Westcountry derby between Gloucester Rugby and Exeter Chiefs, which is live on BT Sport.

The match was due to kick-off at 7.45pm on Friday, March 26, but after the Six Nations Committee last night announced the rearranged date and time for France v Scotland, we have no alternative but to stage Gloucester Rugby v Exeter Chiefs earlier at 5.30pm to avoid a clash of televised rugby.

Collaborative talks are ongoing between ourselves, the Scottish Rugby Union, and the Six Nations Committee regarding the release of players who are committed to their clubs during a weekend which was not designated for international rugby.

A Premiership Rugby spokesperson said: "We do understand that we are in unprecedented times as sport faces its biggest crisis from the Covid-19 pandemic. In the spirit of collaboration, we continue to negotiate around the release of players, with appropriate compensation for the disruption to the clubs and the competition still to be agreed.

"We have a consistent, and long-held policy only to release non-England players for matches that fall under World Rugby’s Regulation 9, which governs player release for international rugby. This rearranged fixture is not covered by Regulation 9 but our clubs are considering making an exception to this policy, with reasonable reimbursement, as we are in unprecedented times.

"We have important Premiership games scheduled for next weekend, and the withdrawal of players at short notice creates many issues for us, including commitments to our partners, broadcasters and supporters. We have already accommodated a kick-off change and want to find a way forward on the player issue.

"We will continue to collaborate with the Scottish Rugby Union and the Six Nations Committee over the rearranged match, and we hope to resolve the issue."