EPCR defend Ulster v Wasps schedule

European Cup organisers have defended their decision to schedule Wasps' fixture at Ulster on Friday just five days after their last outing against Saracens.

Dai Young's injury-stricken squad travel to Ulster's Kingspan Stadium, a match which is live on BT Sport 2 [kick-off 7.45pm], in the first round of the European Rugby Champions Cup Pool A campaign.

Wasps were without 15 players in their 38-19 defeat to Saracens at Allianz Park on Sunday, their fourth straight defeat.

Ulster also played last weekend against Irish rivals Connacht and claimed a 16-8 victory, but their clash happened 44 hours earlier than Wasps' match on Friday evening.

The short turnaround was criticised by Young, who said: "It is not ideal by any stretch of the imagination. It's far from ideal, obviously, and we just have to deal with it."

A European Professional Club Rugby [EPCR] spokesman explained that such factors as league fixtures, venue availability and broadcast scheduling have to be taken into account before European Cup dates can be confirmed.

The spokesman added: "EPCR's fixture schedule is drafted in consultation with, and is given approval by, Premiership Rugby, the Pro14 and the LNR [French league].

"Champions Cup and Challenge Cup pool stage fixtures can only be confirmed following the announcement of the fixture schedules for the three professional leagues."

Ulster host Premiership side Wasps in their European Champions Cup Pool A opener at Kingspan Stadium on Friday, 13 October, a match which will be shown live on BT Sport 2 [kick off 7.45pm] on the eir Sport pack.

Image: Inpho/Matt Mackey.

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