The pantomime season is upon us but farce is rugby union’s recurring speciality. How else to explain the sight of Clermont Auvergne thrashing a pallid Saracens in one of the year’s supposedly highest‑profile club fixtures in front of a paltry audience on a freezing Monday teatime in Mill Hill?
To decree, as the European Professional Club Rugby did in a belatedly rescinded statement on Sunday night, that the rescheduled game would be held behind closed doors was ludicrous from everyone’s point of view – players, coaches, fans and sponsors. The natural disruption caused by a snowy weekend should not obscure the shambolic administrative aftermath.
Related: Alivereti Raka grabs hat-trick as Clermont Auvergne maul Saracens
Related: Saracens chairman criticises 'chaotic' organisers over rearranged fixture
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