Ulster's home Champions Cup clash with reigning champions La Rochelle has been moved at the 11th hour to Dublin and will be played behind closed doors.
The province has been informed by tournament organisers EPCR this evening that tomorrow’s fixture cannot be played at Kingspan Stadium in Belfast due to concerns over the safety of the playing surface.
Ulster CEO Johnny Petrie said on Thursday that the club was working around the clock on the frozen pitch.
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There was optimism today that the province could host the tie and, when the teams were named at noon, Ulster were confident that Kingspan Stadium would be in operation.
Instead, it now seems certain that the RDS Arena, which is hosting tonight's encounter between Leinster and Gloucester, will host the tie but there will be no Ulster supporters allowed into the ground to cheer on Dan McFarland's side.
Ronan O'Gara's La Rochelle flew into Belfast earlier this afternoon and will, like Ulster, be disrupted by the late change of venue, while Ulster supporters have expressed anger online at the state of affairs.
Petrie tweeted: "This story was on the news before we had been informed of any decision about tomorrow’s game.
"We’ll be making official comment and update very shortly. Please understand that this is extremely difficult just now."
In a statement released later tonight, Ulster said: "Regrettably, because of issues with logistics, as well as concerns regarding health and safety due to the timing of the venue change, the match will be staged behind closed doors with no access for supporters.
"Following close consultation between Ulster Rugby and EPCR in recent days, and despite the efforts of Kingspan Stadium ground staff, the decision was taken to move the fixture as Kingspan Stadium's playing surface were deemed unsafe due to the freezing conditions in Belfast.
"Live television coverage will be as scheduled on BT Sport, SuperSport and FloRugby, and EPCR would like to thank all stakeholders for their understanding and co-operation."
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