Stade Francais handed Euro win after Timisoara call-off

Stade Francais were handed a European Challenge Cup bonus point win Wednesday when Romanian opponents Timisoara were penalised after a scheduled group game was called off.

European rugby officials said that Stade would be given a 28-0 win and an offensive bonus point after the Pool 5 clash was cancelled due to a sub-standard pitch last Saturday.

The decision moves Stade to 16 points, three behind leaders Edinburgh and two off Harlequins who they face Sunday.

Victory at the weekend with a bonus point should be enough to allow Stade to claim a quarter-final place.

"An independent disciplinary committee found that Timisoara Saracens had not taken all appropriate steps to prepare and protect the playing surface at the Dan Paltinisanu Stadium and that the club had breached the tournament rules," said a statement by the organisers.

"The playing surface was deficient in that pitch covers were not provided, the undersoil heating system was not ready in good time and that no suitable alternative venue for the match was available."