Postponement Confirmed Of Munster v Scarlets Clash

The Munster v Scarlets Magners League match scheduled for Musgrave Park on Sunday has been called off, it was confirmed this morning.

Despite strenuous efforts by ground staff, overnight plummeting temperatures, while not effecting the pitch itself – because it had been covered by a warm blanket – left surrounding areas in a precarious condition.

In the interests of safety, the decision was made by officials at 10am this morning to call off the game.

A statement issued by Munster Rugby read: “Following a 10am inspection by officials from Munster Rugby and David McHugh from the IRFU Referee Department, the Munster v Scarlets Magners League game has been called off.

“The pitch had been covered by a ‘warm air blanket’ since yesterday morning at which stage officials were confident that the game would go ahead.

“However overnight temperatures dropped to -9 and a further deterioration is expected tonight.”

Commenting on the situation, Munster CEO Garrett Fitzgerald said: “While our inspection this morning showed part of the pitch unplayable, the continuing use of the ‘warm air blanket’ would, in our opinion, have left the pitch playable by 5pm tomorrow, if conditions remained as they are now.

“However, given the forecast of snow and lower temperatures overnight, we felt it would be unfair to those travelling or planning to travel to leave a final decision until the morning and have therefore abandoned the idea of playing the game.”