Three more Pro14 games fall victim to the 'Beast from the East'

PRO14 Rugby have confirmed that three more games have been postponed due to heavy snowfall or what is now widely being called ‘The Beast from the East’.

Yesterday Ulster versus Glasgow was called off, and three more have followed suit.

Home games for Cardiff, Zebre and Edinburgh have all now been postponed.

Cardiff Blues versus Benetton Rugby

Tomorrow night’s Guinness PRO14 Round 17 fixture between Cardiff Blues and Benetton Rugby has been postponed.

The decision was made after consultation among PRO14 Rugby, Cardiff Blues and Benetton Rugby due to severe weather warnings that remain in place across the UK, Ireland and Europe.

Benetton Rugby’s flight was cancelled with limited options to use other routes while conditions around Cardiff Arms Park are expected to be hazardous from a health and safety point of view.

Zebre verus Ospreys

Saturday evening’s Guinness PRO14 Round 17 fixture between Zebre Rugby Club and Ospreys Rugby has been postponed.

The decision was made after consultation among PRO14 Rugby, Zebre and Ospreys after it was established that Ospreys could not be guaranteed that their flight to Italy would go ahead as scheduled due to the current severe weather affecting the UK, Ireland and Europe.

Additionally, freezing temperatures and further snowfall is expected in Parma today which would also put the fixture at risk.

Making a decision closer to kick-off would cause great inconvenience for all involved in the fixture and this action has been taken to ensure the health and safety of all the players, supporters, match officials and club staff.

Edinburgh versus Munster

Tomorrow night’s Guinness PRO14 Round 17 fixture between Edinburgh Rugby and Munster Rugby has been postponed until the weekend of March 16/17/18.

An early decision was made after consultation among PRO14 Rugby, Edinburgh and Munster due to severe weather warnings that remain in place across the UK and Ireland.

Similar to the issues that caused the postponement of Ulster Rugby v Glasgow Warriors, threats to travel and the potential of severe weather on the day of the game raised concerns to the health and safety of supporters, match officials, players and staff from both clubs which is always paramount in such situations.

The severe weather currently being experienced in the UK and Ireland combined with the further inclement conditions forecast for tomorrow night, means that those travelling to BT Murrayfield would likely be exposed to hazardous conditions which raises welfare concerns.