Big chill cancels ‘A’ clash

THE winter freeze finally caught up with rugby in Dublin last night when the scheduled international between an Irish A team and the English Saxons fell foul of the weather.

The game was about to start at the Leinster headquarters in Donnybrook when representations from the English visitors ultimately decided its fate.

Visiting French referee Jerome Garces had expressed doubt about the suitability of the ground on several occasions in the hours leading up to scheduled kick off time of 7.30pm, but he allowed both teams go ahead with their warm-up routines.

Fifteen minutes before the due time, he gave his approval for the match, due to be televised by RTÉ, to start after strenuous efforts by a huge group of voluntary workers in clearing the pitch of snow and breaking up icy patches under the shade of the stand.

However, minutes later, England’s team management expressed concern and referee Garces agreed that it might be too dangerous for the game to take place. His decision was greeted with annoyance in the Irish camp; the Irish players were happy to allow the game go ahead even though some isolated parts of the pitch were of concern.

Team coach Michael Bradley said: “A lot of preparation went in to this game, England had a good side out and there was a lot of disappointment. Some individuals had a great opportunity to impress, with the national management here to watch them, and the referee did say that the game would go ahead with 15 minutes to go.

“Then England made further representation to him (the referee) a couple of minutes before kick off and he reconsidered the decision then, which was disappointing.” said Bradley.

The coach did point out that Ireland can bounce back quickly; the A team is down to play Scotland in Dublin next week and he said: “They can get over the disappointment quickly, it would have been nice to play but you still can’t take a risk on player safety. There is no disputing that point.”