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'Frustrated doesn't even come close to covering how I feel'

By Ian Cameron

17 Dec 2022

Ulster’s CEO has said he feels frustrated after the Irish province were forced to move their Heineken Champions Cup fixture against La Rochelle to Dublin due to ‘safety concerns’.

Despite the best efforts of the ground staff in Belfast, the Kingspan Stadium pitch, which was hard due to freezing conditions in Northern Ireland this week, was not adjudged to be safe enough for the game to go ahead.

“EPCR can now confirm that Ulster Rugby have elected to play the match at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium. The match in Pool B will be played as scheduled tomorrow (Saturday 17 December) with an unchanged kick-off of 17.30 (local time),” said Ulster and the EPCR in a statement.

“Regrettably, because of issues with logistics, as well as concerns regarding health and safety due to the timing of the venue change, the match will be staged behind closed doors with no access for supporters.

“Following close consultation between Ulster Rugby and EPCR in recent days, and despite the efforts of Kingspan Stadium ground staff, the decision was taken to move the fixture as Kingspan Stadium’s playing surface were deemed unsafe due to the freezing conditions in Belfast.”

The match will be broadcast.

“Live television coverage will be as scheduled on BT Sport, beIN Sports, France Télévisions, SuperSport and FloRugby, and EPCR would like to thank all stakeholders for their understanding and co-operation.”

Ulster CEO Jonny Petrie was apparently not happy with the decision, writing on Twitter: “Standing in the middle of a firm but playable pitch Kingspan Stadium just now. Frustrated doesn’t even come close to covering how I feel right at this moment, if I’m honest. Such a shame for all Ulster Rugby supporters, players and staff.

Standing in the middle of a firm but playable pitch @KingspanStadium just now. Frustrated doesn’t even come close to covering how I feel right at this moment, if I’m honest. Such a shame for all @UlsterRugby supporters, players and staff.
— Jonny Petrie (@JP_Petrie) December 17, 2022

Pool B: Ulster Rugby v Stade Rochelais, Aviva Stadium (17.30)
Referee: Luke Pearce (Eng); Assistant referees: George Selwood (Eng), John Meredith (Eng); TMO: Rowan Kitt (Eng)

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