Six Nations: IRB stands firm behind referee over late postponement in Paris

Some areas of the Stade de France pitch were dangerous after being hardened by days of sub-zero temperatures. The stadium lacks under-soil heating, despite being built to host the football World Cup finals in 1998.

Fans were infuriated by the late call, with the surface having passed an inspection 90 minutes earlier. By the time of the kick-off, the temperature was minus-5 Celsius, with a wind chill of minus-11.

“We support Dave Pearson over the decision he made in deeming the Stade de France pitch to be unplayable,” read the statement.

“Player welfare and safety is the primary concern for the IRB and its match officials.

“Having witnessed and assessed the rapid deterioration of the playing surface between the final pitch inspection and the scheduled kick-off time, and following consultation with the match official team, both coaches and championship organisers, Pearson deemed the pitch unplayable on player welfare grounds.”

The referee’s decision had angered the French Rugby Federation (FFR) president, Pierre Camou.

“I think the referee, who is absent tonight because he doesn’t want to talk, was aware, knew, had seen, last night and a little while ago [the state of the field],” Camou said, making it clear the FFR was not to blame. “In this precise case, we are participants and in no way decision-makers… it’s not down to me.

“I feel totally saddened, to say the least, for all of those who have made the journey. I don’t want to get carried away and use words [that are too strong]. I deeply regret this decision.”

Camou took a final swipe at Pearson, noting that Italy’s home match against England hours earlier had gone ahead in subzero temperatures. Snow fell at Stadio Olimpico, covering large parts of the field.

“I think I saw a rugby match this afternoon, at the Olympic Stadium,” he said. “The referee was French.”

Ireland coach Declan Kidney agreed with postponing the match. “The pitch was unsafe for the players to play on,” Kidney said. “It was quite dangerous.”

France coach Philippe Saint-Andre understood Pearson’s decision, as did his players.

“He’s the one in charge of the player’s safety, he decided that two or three areas of the field were hardening and were dangerous,” Saint-Andre said.

Winger Vincent Clerc said he felt “gutted” for the fans who’d made the trip, but also backed Pearson.

“Last week, the field was already very hard against Italy, but this time there really were blocks [of ice], areas where it was impossible [to play],” Clerc said. “I think it’s a wise decision.”

Centre Aurelien Rougerie would have played, given the chance, but also thought it sensible not to.

“We’re always ready to play, ready for anything,” Rougerie said. “I think it’s a sensible and logical decision. There’s always the risk of injury, whether going on a run or in the scrum.”

RBS Six Nations spokeswoman Christine Connolly said the decision rested firmly with Pearson.

“The referee came to look at the game last night, the field was covered, and he thought that it was possible to play,” said Connolly.

“He looked at the field again at 1900 and deemed that the field was playable. Unfortunately, in the ensuing two hours he thought that the field was worsened, that it was frozen in several areas and was dangerous and unplayable.”

Kidney expected the match to be played during one of the two weekend breaks in the tournament, either this Saturday or 3 March.

Connolly confirmed this would be the case, with a decision possibly as soon as today.

Jeers rang out at the sold-out Stade de France as the players failed to take to the field, with a marching band ready to play the national anthems.

The stadium announcer was drowned out by the booing when he informed the crowd the referee called off the game.

France captain Thierry Dusautoir then took the microphone to address the fans.

“Thanks to everyone for coming to encourage us tonight, unfortunately the game has been called off,” Dusautoir said. “I hope you will all come and support us next time. The decision has been taken, and now we will prepare for the next time.”

Both teams went out onto the field to applaud the crowd, which did little to soften the blow.

Kidney admitted the decision had taken the players by surprise. “The reaction from the guys in the dressing room was ‘you’re joking me,”’ he said.

“How do you get that pumped up for a game, you know? International rugby or any professional rugby isn’t something where you arrive and you go out for a friendly jog around. But they are great lads and there’s a good bit of banter in the dressing room now.”

Saint-Andre also said his players were preparing to brave the dangerous conditions.

“I can assure you that the dressing room was really up for it,” he said. “We’re very disappointed, first of all for the fans, secondly for the players.”