Ulster's meeting with La Rochelle moved to Dublin

Ulster's Heineken Champions Cup meeting with La Rochelle tomorrow has been moved Dublin, after the Kingspan Stadium pitch was deemed unplayable by the EPCR.

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 this afternoon.

However, the province confirmed this evening that the game would be moved to Dublin, and will be played behind closed doors, with the RDS now expected to host the sides.

"Ulster Rugby has been informed by tournament organisers EPCR that tomorrow's Heineken Champions Cup fixture against Stade Rochelais cannot be played at Kingspan Stadium in Belfast due to concerns over the safety of the playing surface.

"The match will now be played behind closed doors in Dublin."

A potential switch to the RDS 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.