France vs Ireland match set for March 4

The postponed Six Nations match between France and Ireland will be played on March 4, the tournament’s organising committee said.

The game was supposed to have been played on Saturday but English referee Dave Pearson was forced to postpone the match minutes before kick-off because parts of the Stade de France pitch were frozen and posed a danger to players.

Dubbing “very regrettable” the postponement that “left thousands of supporters disappointed and frustrated”, the Six Nations Council said the game would now kick off at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 4, at Stade de France.

“French and Irish ticket holders unable to attend the match will receive a full refund of their match ticket,” the council said.

“Final details of the refund mechanism will be available soon.”

Six Nations chief executive John Feehan said: “We are delighted that we have agreed a new date and time for the France vs Ireland match in the RBS 6 Nations window.”

The French Rugby Federation (FFR) earlier said it wanted the game to be rescheduled for next season.

“France wants the match to be played next season due to the scheduling problems presented by the Top 14 (French domestic league),” said FFR chief Pierre Camou.

Certainly the rescheduling for March 4 does the Top 14 no favours, with leaders Toulouse hosting second-placed Clermont the day before, meaning both clubs will again be missing a raft of players for international duty.