Red weather warning across South Wales means more disruption for rugby campaign
CARDIFF Rugby’s Championship fixture against Zebre was postponed as Storm Eunice arrived in much of the UK.
This 12th round game was due to take place on Friday, February 18 at Cardiff Arms Park but will now be scheduled for a later, so far unconfirmed, date.
“Alternative arrangements for the fixture this weekend were explored but were not possible due to numerous logistical challenges including Zebre’s inability to guarantee air travel arrangements,” said Cardiff Rugby.
The game was cancelled after much of South Wales, including Cardiff, was placed on a red weather warning by the Met Office.
Imposed from 7am to 12pm on Friday, February 18 the red weather warning means there could be a possible threat to life.
Across Wales, many transport links, events and schools were forced to close ahead of the storm which is expected to see winds of nearly 100mph in Cardiff.
“It’s easy to see why this decision was made from a safety point of view for the Zebre team plane, fans and players,” said Cardiff Rugby supporter Dave Price, 42.
A statement by the United Rugby Championship stated: “A decision to reschedule this game has been made in the health and safety interests of all staff and team personnel involved.”
This postponement is one in a long list of interruptions to Cardiff Rugby’s campaign this season.
Last year, the team had difficulties getting home from a South Africa training camp at the peak of the Omicron variant which led to stiff quarantine restrictions when they got back to the UK.
Additionally, injuries and Wales call-ups have stunted a difficult season.
Italian side Zebre had not travelled when the postponement was announced.
“The weather is such not to allow the team to make a safe international trip, also making it prohibitive to play on Saturday or Sunday,” read a Zebre statement.
“It has been frustrating with lots of disruption outside of the club and league’s control. Weather happens, and this seems a particularly nasty storm,” Mr Price added.
“We may not win the league, but we are definitely putting a good show on, and couldn’t do a much better job in the circumstances.”
