‘Guys were pumped up and ready, but nowhere to go’

Ireland captain Paul O’Connell is hoping the Six Nations opt for a three-week delay to the weather-hit clash with France, preferring some precious time at home to a quick return to Paris this weekend.

Ireland’s players returned from the French capital yesterday afternoon with their plans for a couple of days at home before a brief training camp in Belfast in limbo following the late postponement on Saturday night.

The call-off means the Six Nations willtoday decide whether to reschedule the game for this Sunday or fix it for the weekend of March 2/3/4. Delaying for three weeks would give the players some down time next weekend after three weeks in camp before heading into a home game with Italy on February 25, and then their remaining three games in consecutive weeks.