Ulster have been forced to move their Champions Cup clash with La Rochelle to Dublin, after groundskeepers, despite their best efforts, were unable to get the Kingspan playable in time.
The game is scheduled to kick-off tomorrow at 17:30, with the RDS now the likely destination, while the match will also be played behind closed doors.
Ulster rugby released the following statement following the decision.
"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.
"The match will now be played behind closed doors in Dublin."
Ulster Champions Cup Fixture Moved To RDS
11 December 2022; Stuart McCloskey of Ulster is tackled by Sam James and Manu Tuilagi of Sale Sharks during Heineken Champions Cup Pool B Round 1 match between Sale Sharks and Ulster at AJ Bell Stadium in Salford, England. Photo by John Dickson/Sportsfile
READ HERE: Stephen Ferris Claims La Rochelle Clash A "Season Defining" Game For Ulster
During the week, Ulster head coach Dan McFarland gave his thoughts on La Rochelle head coach Ronan O'Gara and his coaching journey.
“One, he is very brave. I think stepping out of what you know and going and trying something different is very difficult, full stop. I know that. I left Connacht and had lived there for fifteen years to go to Glasgow.
“I was probably way more experienced at that stage than he was when he moved away. I know that was tough for me.
“We've got to own a 39-0 defeat, don't we?" continued McFarland as he touched Ulster's shocking defeat to Sale Sharks last weekend. "It's very difficult when you're a very honest group like these guys are, we measure ourselves by certain standards,” says Ulster head coach Dan McFarland, getting out in front of the story and holding himself accountable.
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