THE ORGINISERS of the Champions Cup have claimed they will look into the Kingspan frozen pitch debacle that forced Ulster to play their game behind closed doors at the Aviva Stadium against La Rochelle on Sunday
The game was initially set to be played at Ulster's home ground the Kingspan Stadium, but after a week of freezing weather and the best efforts to play the game the venue was moved to Dublin.
Ulster Rugby made the announcement on Friday evening, writing in a statement: “Ulster Rugby has been informed by tournament organisers EPCR that tomorrow’s Heineken Champions Cup fixture against Stade Rochelais cannot be played at Kingspan Stadium in Belfast due to concerns over the safety of the playing surface."
𝗩𝗲𝗻𝘂𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗱@ChampionsCup confirm @AVIVAStadium for Ulster v Stade Rochelais.
The match will be staged behind closed doors with no access for supporters.
More details ⤵️https://t.co/ABRGjzL4tg#HeinekenChampionsCup— Ulster Rugby (@UlsterRugby) December 17, 2022
They added: "The match will now be played behind closed doors in Dublin."
The game was touted for the RDS, but it was confirmed that the game would go ahead in the Aviva Stadium
Jonny Petrie, CEO of Ulster Rugby, took to Twitter to showcase his disappointment over the move.
“Standing in the middle of a firm but playable pitch at Kingspan Stadium just now. Frustrated doesn’t even come close to covering how I feel right at this moment, if I’m honest,” Petrie tweeted.
“Such a shame for all Ulster Rugby supporters, players and staff.”
Petrie also claimed that the short move cost the province £700,000.
La Rochelle went on to win 36-29 against a spirited Ulster side despite the fuss.
The match went ahead at the Aviva Stadium without any Ulster fans in attendance, but a "large official delegation" from La Rochelle was permitted to attend.
Petrie also tweeted that the decision to allow the delegation entry was the decision of the EPCR and Ulster "would be subject to legal action for compensation if they weren't permitted entry
"Well we were told it was an official delegation and that we would be subject to legal action for compensation if they weren’t permitted entry, '' responded the Ulster CEO to another account.
Well we were told it was an official delegation and that we would be subject to legal action for compensation if they weren’t permitted entry
— Jonny Petrie (@JP_Petrie) December 17, 2022
An Ulster statement said: "The team's focus is now firmly on preparing for next weekend's URC fixture against Connacht, so we will not be making any further comment at this time.
Ulster on their website said three days ago that 'The club will communicate with ticket holders next week regarding their refund options, who were affected by the move.
Ulster play Connacht in the United Rugby Championship next.
