Glasgow Warriors managing director Al Kellock has outlined why his team’s Challenge Cup clash against Perpignan this weekend was moved to Murrayfield.
The concerns are centred around the freezing temperatures making it difficult for Glasgow to “maintain a safe surface” at Scotstoun, given the pitch is artificial.
Safety first
Thus the decision was made to adhere to European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) regulations and ensure the safety of the players.
Kellock clearly explained the decision-making process and understands that the move, despite being necessary, is “less-than-ideal”.
“Firstly, we were determined to make the game happen at Scotstoun Stadium,” he said.
“Since Sunday, a team of ground professionals, including our own staff, the ground team from BT Murrayfield and a team from local artificial grass specialists, CY Turf, worked on thawing the pitch.
“Through their efforts, we had defrosted the top layer and were able to maintain a thawed surface, however, the sand below was more difficult to defrost and with the persisting cold weather it was simply not going to be possible to make the surface playable.
“Our next priority was to make sure we had an alternative solution that gives the game the best chance of going ahead.
“We looked at options with the tournament organisers, and the decision we arrived at ensures the game can be played in line with EPCR competition regulations and gives our players the best opportunity to play this important fixture in our EPCR Challenge Cup campaign.
Grateful for Murrayfield
“We are fortunate to have BT Murrayfield at our disposal, not just from the point of view of the pitch, but through support of Scottish Rugby colleagues who can help to provide a smooth transition to logistically get the game on when moving it away from Scotstoun.
“We understand that the solution to move the game to BT Murrayfield is less-than-ideal, taking it away from our home city, with the ongoing train strikes, and the weather warning that is in place for the central belt on Friday.”
The club is sending two buses to take spectators to Murrayfield and will refund any supporters who could not make the fixture.
Glasgow will be looking to build onto their 22-19 win over Bath in the opening round of the Challenge Cup with another win in the competition before resuming their United Rugby Championship campaign.
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