Ulster's Challenge Cup clash against the Cheetahs will be played behind doors with new venue and time

TIME AND VENUE CHANGE: The EPCR has confirmed that Ulster's round three Challenge Cup fixture against the Toyota Cheetahs this Sunday has been rescheduled to an alternative venue and will now take place behind closed doors. Picture:   ©INPHO/Geraint Nicholas

The EPCR has confirmed that Ulster's round three Challenge Cup fixture against the Toyota Cheetahs this Sunday has been rescheduled to an alternative venue and will now take place behind closed doors.

Inspections took place earlier today, the EPCR confirmed that due to the impact of severe weather conditions in the Netherlands that a venue change was required with associated venue considered.

Rugby Nederland, Cheetahs and the EPCR have identified Dukes Rugby, 'S Hertogenbosch as the new venue.

The time of the fixture has also been amended and will now kick off at the earlier time of 2pm local/1pm Irish time with the match being broadcast on EPCRugby.TV, Supersport and FloRubgy.

Rugby Nederland, Cheetahs and the EPCR will continue to monitor the weather conditions should there be any further impacts to the fixture.

Ulster are seeking further clarification from the tournament organisers in relation to the implications of the decision and the next steps, especially for supporters that have already made arrangements to travel for the clash.

Rugby Nederland have confirmed that supporters will get a refund of their tickets minus the admin fee.

Ulster, in a statement issued Friday afternoon, are 'exploring options' to recognise their supporters efforts for their travel arrangements for the game.

"We really appreciate the efforts made by our supporters in travelling for the fixture and are now exploring options to recognise and thank their efforts in the near future.

"We also acknowledge the disappointment this news will bring and express our sincere sympathy to all supporters affected. We wish those who have travelled to the Netherlands a safe onward journey."

Meanwhile, Ulster head coach Richie Murphy has made ten changes to his side that defeated Munster.

There is a first Ulster start for Bradley McNamara in the back line.

Murphy has opted for a new front row with Sean Crean, Rob Herring and Scott Wilson. There is one change in the engine room with Joe Hopes joining Harry Sheridan.

It is a fresh back three with David McCann, Sean Reffell and Lorcan McLoughlin who is making his first start of the season at number eight.

Nathan Doak partners Jake Flannery in the half-back with Jude Postlethwaite and James Hume the centre partnership. The in-form wingers Zac Ward and Werner Kok retain their positions with McNamara completing the starting line-up at full-back.

Murphy has gone for a 5:3 split on the bench with James McCormick, Eric O’Sullivan, Bryan O’Connor, Matthew Dalton and Marcus Rea providing the forward cover options while Dan Shanahan, James Humphreys and Ben Carson covering the backline.

ULSTER: B McNamara, W Kok, J Hume, J Postlethwaite, Z Ward, J Flannery, N Doak; S Crean, R Herring, S Wilson, H Sheridan, J Hopes, D McCann, S Reffell, L McLoughlin.

Replacements: J McCormack, E O'Sullivan, B O'Connor, M Dalton, M Rea, D Shanahan, J Humphreys, B Carson.

CHEETAHS: J Verity-Amm, M Hartzenberg, D Ackermann, Z du Plessis, P Nkabinde, J van der Walt, M Jansen van Vuren; M Manyama, L van der Westhuizen (c), A Coetzee, C Wegner, C Thomas, D Maartens, S Vumazonke, G van der Merwe. 

Replacements: M Janse van Rensburg, C Dawson, F dos Reis, P Jansen van Vuren, A van der Merwe, N Volschenk, R Kruger, M Annies

Confirmation of EPCR Challenge Cup Pool 3 Round 3 fixture 

Toyota Cheetahs v Ulster Rugby, Dukes Rugby, ‘S Hertogenbosch, 2pm local/1pm Irish*

Referee: Kevin Bralley (FRA)

*Time and venue change