Leinster fear fans will be frozen out as weather begins to bite
The new home of Irish rugby boasts a high tech undersoil heating system that should prevent any frost from developing on the pitch as temperatures plummet across the country.
Officials are concerned, however, that as the weather front shifts from west to east, fans may have difficulty in travelling to the tie which is set to attract over 45,000 supporters to the capital.
Low salt supplies around the country mean that priority will be given to primary routes, with many local authorities warning that secondary roads may not be treated at all.
Leinster spokesman Peter Breen said: “We are closely monitoring the situation with regards the weather. The team trained on the pitch yesterday and everything was perfect. As of last night Dublin had escaped the worst of the weather but with the undersoil heating we are confident that the game will go ahead as planned this evening.
Our concern is the access for fans to the stadium given the conditions of the roads if there is a big freeze. “We have over 45,000 tickets sold for the game which is a tremendous turnout. We have over 3,500 kids coming from around the province and it would be a terrible shame if they can’t make the game because of the conditions.
“The big message we would give to fans is to use public transport where possible and make sure to get there as early as possible. Hopefully we will have a fantastic occasion.”
Meanwhile, Ulster were forced to fly from Dublin yesterday ahead of today’s Heineken Cup clash with Bath.
The move came after flights from Belfast were suspended because of the snow which engulfed the north.
The squad were forced to bus down to Dublin before taking a rescheduled chartered flight to Bristol which touched down shortly before 7pm last night.
Ulster team manager David Millar said of their pre-match preparations: “This kind of scenario is never ideal. We just have to get on with it.! We are hopeful that the pitch is playable. We will just have to wait and see.”
Bath officials are ‘confident’ the game will go ahead but said a number of contingency plans were in place, under ERC rules.
The scheduled kick-off time of 1.30pm could be put back if necessary or the game may be played in Llanelli, tomorrow if the pitch is not playable. The game may be played behind closed doors if spectator areas are not safe and could even be played on Monday.
A number of sporting organisations yesterday announced postponements due to the forecasted conditions.
Tomorrow’s Woodie’s DIY Novice & Juvenile Cross-Country Championships at Tullamore is cancelled as is basketball’s NIVEA for MEN SuperLeague tie between Belfast Star and Bord Gais Neptune scheduled for De La Salle College, Andersonstown.
The Munster Branch of the Irish Hockey Association (MBIHA) yesterday took the decision to cancel all fixtures.
Meanwhile, the Turf Club plan a 7.30am course inspection at Navan ahead of today’s meeting.
Cross-channel cards have been hit with today’s meetings at Ascot and Newcastle called off, with inspections due at Haydock (8am) and Lingfield (6.30am).
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