Rugby:Munster's Magners League game against Cardiff Blues at Thomond Park on Saturday has been moved forward to the new kick-off time of 5pm due to the ongoing adverse weather conditions.
The game was originally due to kick-off at the Limerick venue at 7.30pm but was moved forward to “allow every possibility of the game going ahead”. That said the fixture, like others around the country, still remain in doubt with the current cold spell set to continue.
All tickets purchased for the game remain valid and gates at Thomond Park will open at 3pm.
Munster are set to welcome back Paul O’Connell after nine months on the sidelines. The Lions captain came through training yesterday and playing 40 minutes for Young Munster against Shannon last Friday night.
O’Connell should be joined by Ronan O’Gara, Keith Earls and Denis Leamy with Tomás O’Leary probably holding off Peter Stringer at scrumhalf as coach Tony McGahan strives to field a side similar to that likely to take the field against the Ospreys on Sunday week.
Marcus Horan (broken bone in hand) and Jerry Flannery are still absent but Donnacha Ryan is due back from suspension, while the other returning Irish players have confirmed their fitness.
Connacht’s game against Aironi on Friday night is also in doubt due to the heavy frost and snow at the Sportsground where the pitch has no under ground heating. There are also concerns regarding Aironi being able to make the trip from northern Italy.
A pitch inspection will take place tomorrow morning with the game set to be rescheduled for Saturday or Sunday if the game is not played on Friday.