Six Nations: This weekend ruled out for rescheduled Paris fixture

TOURNAMENT organisers have announced that the postponed RBS Six Nations game between France and Ireland will not take place this weekend.

The decision follows a meeting of the Six Nations Council yesterday, almost 48 hours after Saturday’s match at Stade de France in Paris was postponed by English referee Dave Pearson ten minutes before the scheduled 9pm kick-off. Saturday, 3 March remains the most likely new date, although there will be no confirmation of that – or otherwise – until today at the earliest.

In a statement, the Six Nations said: “Further to a meeting of the Six Nations Council today, we can confirm that the postponed RBS Six Nations France versus Ireland match will not take place this weekend. A further meeting of the council will take plac hopefully to resolve the issues of rescheduling and ticket policy. There are very significant logistical issues arising from this situation, and we would wish to be in a position to give a comprehensive clarification following the meeting.”

The date of 3 March, which is thought to be the favoured option, might not prove a trouble-free alternative. That weekend clashes with a round of domestic Top 14 rugby action in France, and leading clubs are thought to be vehemently opposed to losing their star players for those fixtures. A 3 March rescheduling would also see France and Ireland playing Six Nations games on four successive weekends.

There is no Six Nations programme this weekend, but France could then be left facing Scotland, Ireland, England and Wales on the bounce, with Ireland meeting Italy, France, Scotland and finally England.