GLASGOW and Edinburgh will both have some unwanted time off this weekend after their fixtures fell foul of the bad weather. The Warriors had been due to play Benetton at Scotstoun tomorrow[Sat], while Edinburgh were due to travel to Newport this evening[Fri] to play the Dragons. PRO14 have yet to announce a new date for either game.
The Edinburgh match was first to be called off, with the league deciding that the Rodney Parade pitch was unplayable.”A large area of the pitch is currently frozen and temperatures will not rise above freezing in time for the pitch to be playable,” a PRO14 press release said. “Taking into account player safety and travel arrangements, PRO14 Rugby, along with both clubs, has taken the decision to postpone the game. PRO14 Rugby will identify a rescheduled date as soon as possible.”
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Edinburgh coach Richard Cockerill added: “It’s disappointing for everyone involved not to have the game go ahead, however the freezing conditions are such that it simply wouldn’t be safe to do so. In the absence of the game we’ll quickly turn our attention to preparing to face Munster at home next Saturday and await details of the rescheduled fixture date for Dragons, in due course.”
The announcement that Glasgow’s game had also fallen victim to the cold snap came a couple of hours later, with the decision being taken for similar reasons. “Glasgow Warriors stadium team have made their best efforts to clear snow, salt and brush the playing surface all week, but an inspection this morning has shown that the pitch is frozen,” PRO14 said.
“A yellow weather warning for ice and snow is in place for Glasgow, and across Scotland, on Saturday, which means it will not be possible for the pitch to return to a playable condition and ensure player safety in time for the game to take place. The early decision has also taken into consideration Benetton's travel arrangements.”
The Warriors’ next game is against Ulster at Scotstoun a week today (Friday 19th).
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