Cornish Pirates versus Hartpury Boxing Day match postponed due to Covid
The RFU took the decision after cases were confirmed within the Hartpury playing squad
Last updated 27th Dec 2021
The Cornish Pirates have confirmed that their 2021/22 Round 13 Championship Rugby match against Hartpury has been postponed.
The fixture was due to take place today (Sunday 26th December) at 5pm, but the decision was taken by the Rugby Football Union after COVID-19 cases were reported within the Hartpury playing squad.
The interim decision follows the detailed medical protocols in place to ensure that the health and wellbeing of all players and support staff is protected.
The Disputes Committee will meet soon to determine next steps.
Commenting on behalf of the Cornish Pirates, CEO Rebecca Thomas said: "We appreciate this is extremely disappointing and apologise for any inconvenience caused. We hope you all have a wonderful time with your family and friends and all remain safe and well.
"Tickets purchased will be valid for the rearranged fixture – date to be confirmed, or can be refunded via the ticket office viasue.read@cornish-pirates.com.
"Hospitality bookings will also be valid for the rearranged fixture or can be refunded via liz.mclean@cornish-pirates.com. You will be contacted separately regarding this, please bear with us as we navigate through this over this festive period".
Today's game was due to pay tribute to those lost in the Penlee Lifeboat disaster 40 years on.
It was in 1981 that the Solomon Browne rushed to the aid of stricken coaster the Union Star as she was swept towards the coast in hurricane-force storms.
After several attempts to get alongside the coaster, the lifeboat crew managed to rescue four of the eight people onboard but, when making a final heroic rescue attempt, all radio contact was lost.
The Pirates were due to wear special limited edition shirts, that were made available through Whirlwind Sports, during the warm up of their game.