Rugby:This weekend's Magners League fixtures featuring Irish provinces are quickly becoming decimated with news that Ulster's game against the Ospreys and Connacht's match against the Dragons have been called-off, while officials in Munster are preparing a contingency plan due to the adverse weather conditions.
This morning's inspection at Ravenhill was carried out by the IRFU Referee Department, who based their decision to cancel the game “on the current condition of the playing surface and the weather forecast for the next few days”.
Connacht’s Friday match at the Sportsground was called-off for several reasons; the Dragons having difficulty travelling from Wales and ongoing doubts about the pitch surface at the Galway venue.
Gerry Kelly, Connacht chief executive, said all options were considered, including moving the game to an afternoon start on Saturday plus looking at other venues.
“The Dragons were due to fly from Luton to Galway on Thursday but they told us they would have difficulty getting to the airport, especially following the overnight deterioration of the weather in the UK, and even then there would be no guarantee that flights would be operating,” said Kelly.
“Taking all factors into account and following discussions with the Dragons, which we have been having daily since the weekend, it was felt the best decision was to call-off the game at this stage.
“We discussed the matter with the Magners League and the difficulty our supporters might have trying to get to the venue was also a factor,” he said.
The pitch at the Sportsground has been covered from last Thursday and since then heaters and another cover have been applied.
Tickets already bought for both the Ulster and Connacht games will be valid for the rearranged fixtures.
Munster are due to take on the Scarlets at Musgrave Park on Sunday (5pm), but due to the conditions, officials are preparing a contingency plan that could see the game move to Thomond Park.
If Musgrave Park in Cork is deemed unplayable, Thomond Park in Limerick will serve as the back up venue subject to it being passed as playable.
Officials are closely monitoring both the weather forecast and the condition of the pitches at both venues with every effort being made to ensure the match goes ahead in Cork as planned.
Protective covers are being laid at both venues today. Pitch inspections by the IRFU Referee Department will go ahead at both venues on Friday and Saturday afternoon.
Leinster are due to take on Glasgow at the RDS (8pm) in what would have been the third Friday night game featuring Irish provinces. It remains to be seen if this game will be affected by the weather.
Coach Michael Cheika today named Jonathan Sexton and Shane Jennings in an extended Leinster squad.