The IRFU has expressed disappointment with the decision by the Six Nations Council to reschedule the France versus Ireland game for Sunday, March the 4th. The Union said that they had requested that the game be held 24 hours earlier, on March 3rd. The extra day would have allowed Declan Kidney’s side a seven-day turn-around before their next match against Scotland, while it would also give travelling fans an appropriate window to make the trip. The Six Nations Council has confirmed that French and Irish ticket holders who are unable to attend the match will receive a full refund from the French Rugby Federation, but they will not be able to reimburse any of the other costs that fans had to suffer. Commenting on the rescheduled match details John Feehan, Chief Executive, Six Nations said: “We are delighted that we have agreed a new date and time for the RBS 6 Nations France vs Ireland match in the RBS 6 Nations window. We are also delighted that the FFR have announced a ticket refund scheme.” IRFU statement in full: “The Irish Rugby Football Union has expressed its disappointment with the decision by the Six Nations Council to reschedule the postponed game between France and Ireland for Sunday, 4th March. While understanding the difficulties that a postponed game brings to the international and club rugby schedule, the IRFU had proposed to the Six Nations that the preferred alternate date for the game was Saturday, 3rd March with an afternoon kick off. This was based on providing the Ireland team, who will be travelling for a second time to Paris, with a seven day turnaround between its remaining four fixtures in the tournament as well as providing any supporters wishing to attend the rescheduled game with an appropriate window of travel. Both proposed dates were discussed by the Six Nations Council, but the decision was taken by the majority of the Council to proceed with the date of March 4th. The IRFU acknowledge that the French Federation has agreed to the reimbursement of the cost of tickets for Ireland supporters who are unable to attend the rescheduled game. Details on the process for refunds and the reissue of tickets will be made available as soon as possible.”
The frozen pitch at the Stade de France last Saturday ©INPHO
