Croke Park yet to receive IRFU request

GAA chiefs have not received any formal request from their IRFU counterparts about the potential of playing Ulster and Leinster’s Heineken Cup games at Croke Park next weekend.

The Jones’ Road venue boasts the only under soil heating system in the country leaving the pitch in perfect condition despite the cold snap which has affected much of the country and caused sporting chaos.

Ulster are to play Edinburgh in Ravenhill on Friday while Michael Cheika’s side are set to face Brive on Saturday evening at the RDS.

However if either province are concerned their pitch is unplayable they must nominate an alternative venue to host their game.

GAA spokesman Alan Milton last night said he was unaware of any contact for the usage of Croke Park.

“We have not received any formal request about hosting Ulster, Leinster or both at the weekend. Any such request would have to come from the IRFU. If we did receive a request Central Council could make a speedy decision on the matter before the weekend.”

Ulster announced plans last week to place a large marquee over sections of the pitch and use commercial heat blowers to fight off the freezing conditions.

However things haven’t gone smoothly according to Ulster spokesperson Christine McNally.

She revealed: “That has not been going very well. We haven’t been able to get the marquee into the ground as we have had problems driving the support poles through the frozen surface.

“As a result the heaters have not yet started either. We are hoping that this plan can get up and running Sunday night, Monday morning but we must wait and see. It is starting to thaw a bit up here and hopefully it will be fine for Friday. We should have more of an update by (today).”

McNally was unaware of any standby venue should Ravenhill be deemed unplayable.

“It is something that has not been discussed. Michael (Reid, Ulster CEO) has not named another venue. So to answer your question, Croke Park has not been mentioned to me.”

Leinster chiefs insist they are planning for a game on Saturday evening at the RDS.

The province were forced to call off last Friday night’s Magners League clash with Glasgow Warriors hours before kick off.

Spokesman Peter Breen said: “We are preparing for a home game against Brive on Saturday at the RDS.

“Friday’s night postponement was the first time in a long, long time that we had to call off a game. We are in line for a bad 48 hours but we are confident we can play.

“We are putting covers and heaters on the pitch, gritting the stands and having regular meeting with our health and safety staff. We want to play it in the RDS and hopefully it will be played there. We will be making a call midweek and will explore every option. There is speculation about other venues but we can’t comment on that.”