Ulster CEO Jonny Petrie frustrated after Champions Cup venue switch

Ulster's Heineken Champions Cup meeting with La Rochelle will now take place behind closed doors at the Aviva Stadium, after the Kingspan Stadium pitch was deemed unplayable by the EPCR, a decision that has frustrated Ulster CEO Jonny Petrie.

There had been concerns over the state of the Ravenhill pitch in recent days due to the freezing conditions that have hit Ireland in the last week, with the province deploying a protective cover and heaters to try thaw out the ground ahead of the visit of the defending champions, who flew into Belfast on Friday afternoon.

However, the province subsequently confirmed that the game would be moved to Dublin, and will be played without fans at Lansdowne Road. The 5.30 kick-off remains.

In a tweet, Jonny Petrie said that the Kingspan itch was "playable" on Saturday morning, adding that: "Frustrated doesn't even come close to covering how I feel right at this moment, if I’m honest. Such a shame for all Ulster Rugby supporters, players and staff.

Standing in the middle of a firm but playable pitch @KingspanStadium just now. Frustrated doesn't even come close to covering how I feel right at this moment, if I’m honest. Such a shame for all @UlsterRugby supporters, players and staff.

The change in venue comes just two weeks on from the province's second half collapse against Leinster at the Dublin ground, while they were also beaten 39-0 by Sale Sharks in their opening Champions Cup Pool B game on Sunday.

Head coach Dan McFarland has made eight changes to his side from that loss to Sale, with captain Iain Henderson, Jon Cooney and Rory Sutherland among those coming in.