Several English and Welsh clubs are in talks over plans to pull out of European Champions Cup fixtures in France, amid ongoing concerns around quarantine restrictions.

Teams travelling to France currently have to quarantine for 48 hours due to Covid-19 restrictions, while anyone within the coaching and playing staff – along with close contacts – potentially faces 10 days in isolation if they turn in a positive PCR test.

The EPCR (European Professional Club Rugby), organisers of the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup, are reportedly desperate to ensure that the next two rounds of pool matches go ahead as planned.

But there’s little chance of that happening as the likelihood of French League authorities persuading their government to ease restrictions currently considered slim, the Daily Mail reports.

The Scarlets’ clash with Bordeaux on Saturday is subsequently in doubt, with the region believed to be concerned by the prospect of another isolation ordeal after being stranded in South Africa back in November.

English counterparts Sale and Bath, meanwhile, have sought guidance from the EPCR as they weigh up whether to make the trip over to France, while Newcastle are another English side affected.

After his team’s Premiership victory over Worcester this past Sunday, Bath director of rugby Stuart Hooper said: “We need clarity as soon as possible. The quarantine period when you get to the hotel is still to be sorted out.”