IRB backs Pearson's Paris decision

The IRB have defended referee Dave Pearson over his decision to postpone Saturday's Six Nations clash between France and Ireland.

The International Rugby Board have defended referee Dave Pearson over his decision to postpone Saturday's Six Nations clash between France and Ireland.

Pearson had deemed the pitch at the Stade de France fit for play 90 minutes before kick-off only to call the game off just 10 minutes before the players were set to take the field as temperatures plummeted and sections of the field froze.

There has been plenty of finger pointer since as the Six Nations organisers and the French Federation attempt to pass to buck.

On Sunday IRB issued a statement backing Pearson's judgement.

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

“Player welfare and safety is the primary concern for the IRB and its match officials. Following consultation with both coaches and championship organisers, Pearson deemed the pitch unplayable on player welfare grounds.”

Ireland coach Declan Kidney also refused to criticise the referee despite the disruption to his team, admitting that Pearson faced “a very difficult situation”.

“One man has to decide whether the pitch is safe or not,” he said.

“The rules are that it's at the sole discretion of the referee. He had to make his call. We walked the part of the pitch he was concerned with and I understand why he made his call.

“I'm very disappointed for the supporters. I'm disappointed for the players, but I'd be more disappointed if I was sitting in hospital with somebody who had a very bad injury.”