The decision was taken on Wednesday following a number of positive COVID-19 tests in the Cell C Sharks camp.

As a result of the cancellation of the match, the encounter will be declared a draw and the teams will each receive two log points.

The other two Carling Currie Cup matches scheduled for this weekend – between Tafel Lager Griquas and the Toyota Cheetahs in Kimberley on Saturday at 16h30, and the Phakisa Pumas against the Vodacom Bulls in Nelspruit on Sunday at 16h00 – are unaffected.

The cancellation of the match means DHL Western Province – currently in second place on the standings with 35 points behind the Vodacom Bulls who also have 35 points, but boast a superior points’ difference – will finish the pool stage of the competition on 37 points, and the Cell C Sharks will move up to third place, also on 35 points.

The two coastal sides will have to wait for the conclusion of the Gauteng Derby between the Vodacom Bulls and Xerox Lions in Pretoria, which be broadcast live on SuperSport from 16h00 today, and the final two round-robin games this coming weekend to see who they will face the semi-finals and where these matches will be hosted.