Storm Eunice: Disruptions to Premiership and United Rugby Championship
The latest named storm to sweep over the UK has claimed a fixture in the United Rugby Championship and delayed a Premiership game.
Cardiff’s United Rugby Championship clash with Italian club Zebre Parma has been postponed, while the kick off in the Premiership game between Worcester and Bristol has been pushed back half an hour.
Red alert
The Cardiff-Zebre match was scheduled to take place on Friday evening at Cardiff Arms Park but will now be rearranged, adding to the fixture pile-up as a result of Covid earlier in the season.
A red weather warning – the highest alert, meaning a high impact is very likely – has been issued by the Met Office due to the combination of high tides, strong winds and storm surge.
A statement from the URC read: “A decision to reschedule this game has been made in the health and safety interests of all staff and team personnel involved.
“Additionally, due to the red weather warning affecting much of the south-east regions in the UK, Zebre Parma’s air travel could not be guaranteed while logistical and facilities challenges do not allow for the game to play on either Saturday or Sunday.”
Cardiff sit 11th in the URC following four victories from seven games, while winless Zebre Parma are bottom of the table.
Elsewhere, the kick-off time for Friday’s Premiership match between Worcester and Bristol has been pushed back by half an hour because of the weather conditions.
The game at Sixways Stadium will now begin at 8.15pm GMT in order to minimise the risk of travel issues for spectators, players, officials and staff.
“Warriors and Bristol Bears have agreed to put the kick-off time of Friday’s Gallagher Premiership match at Sixways back by half an hour to 8.15pm,” read a statement from Worcester.
“The decision, which has been taken following consultation with Premiership Rugby, aims to minimise the risk of travel issues for spectators, players, officials and staff due to Storm Eunice.
“Strong winds are expected on Friday morning and early afternoon but the latest weather forecasts suggest that they will abate by late afternoon.”
The stadium will now open to supporters at 6.15pm GMT, while Worcester will continue to monitor the situation and follow the latest guidance.
Warriors are second bottom of the division, with Bristol two places higher in 10th position.
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