Rugby:Former Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan has urged Six Nations Championship organisers to stage Saturday night's aborted match at the Stade de France this weekend claiming that four matches in succession would put a strain on the Irish squad.

Six Nations have confirmed the match will be staged during one of the break weekends, either February 18 and 19 or March 3 and 4. A decision is expected by on Tuesday.

O'Sullivan believes the earlier option is preferable as it will be kinder to both squads.

"It's a stretch to hold the game next Friday," said O'Sullivan, who masterminded three Triple Crowns during his seven-year reign at Lansdowne Road.

"But if we push it out between the mid point then we'll end up with Ireland and France playing four matches back to back. That would put a huge strain on the squad.

"It would be much better if they could play it next weekend and then have a break after the third week.

"That would make much more sense in terms of players not getting injured or burnt out. It would also keep the tournament in kilter in terms of results.

"They do have to fit it in during the tournament because there are no free weekends running into the summer.

"We've never seen this before and I imagine we'll never see this again."

Declan Kidney and Philippe Saint-Andre, the coaches of Ireland and France respectively, accepted Pearson's verdict despite the enormous disruption it would cause to their championships.

Six Nations last night issued a statement clarifying the procedure for postponing matches, highlighting that the home union and referee are the only parties able to make the call.

However, the question of why Pearson was not urged to complete a definitive pitch inspection on Thursday or Friday night, when conditions were forecast to be near identical, remains unanswered.