WORCESTER Warriors face a race against time to prepare for their European Challenge Cup round of 16 trip to Lyon on Friday evening (8PM BST).

Following the conclusion of group games, Biarritz winning against Toulon in Worcester's group meant that instead of a home tie at Sixways against Cardiff Blues, Warriors now have an away game with the highest ranked side in the competition away from home on Friday evening at Matmut Stadium de Gerland.

Due to the way the tournament was structured, some sides - including Worcester - had already played their final pool games back in January.

But some had their concluding group stage matches last weekend, just a week before the scheduled round of 16 and after a rather shock result between Biarritz and Toulon, the two French heavyweights in Warriors' group, Steve Diamond's men face the almighty challenge of playing Lyon away from home.

With that tie only being officially confirmed on Sunday (date and time), the club now have four days in which to organise their journey and accommodation in France.

The decision to play the final group games so close to the next stage has raised may eyebrows and has left many supporters without ample time to arrange tickets and flights to watch their team.

With their being long delays and general chaos in British airports at the moment, it looks a very tall order for many, if any, to make the 717 mile journey.

Hotels, at their cheapest, look to be around £95 per night and that's before the £300-odd pound return flight (cheapest via Skyscanner).

Wasps' fans are in the same boat with their tie in Biarritz also taking place on the Friday night.

Supporters seem to have been overlooked by the EPCR (European Professional Club Rugby) and will no doubt have an affect on attendance for the game.

The clash is not going to be streamed online and is available to view only on French TV channel beIN SPORTS.