Glasgow explain 'less-than-ideal' decision to move Perpignan game

Glasgow managing director Al Kellock has explained the reasoning behind the “less-than-ideal” decision to move Friday’s Challenge Cup clash with Perpignan to BT Murrayfield.

It was announced on Wednesday that the match would take place at the national stadium as freezing temperatures meant it would not be possible to “maintain a safe surface” on the Warriors’ Scotstoun pitch.

Kellock issued a statement on the club’s website on Thursday outlining the process behind the moving of the fixture from Glasgow to Edinburgh.

“Firstly, we were determined to make the game happen at Scotstoun Stadium,” he said. “Since Sunday, a team of ground professionals, including our own staff, the ground team from BT Murrayfield and a team from local artificial grass specialists, CY Turf, worked on thawing the pitch.

“Through their efforts, we had defrosted the top layer and were able to maintain a thawed surface, however, the sand below was more difficult to defrost and with the persisting cold weather it was simply not going to be possible to make the surface playable.

“Our next priority was to make sure we had an alternative solution that gives the game the best chance of going ahead.

“We looked at options with the tournament organisers, and the decision we arrived at ensures the game can be played in line with EPCR competition regulations and gives our players the best opportunity to play this important fixture in our EPCR Challenge Cup campaign.

“We are fortunate to have BT Murrayfield at our disposal, not just from the point of view of the pitch, but through support of Scottish Rugby colleagues who can help to provide a smooth transition to logistically get the game on when moving it away from Scotstoun.

“We understand that the solution to move the game to BT Murrayfield is less-than-ideal, taking it away from our home city, with the ongoing train strikes, and the weather warning that is in place for the central belt on Friday.”

Glasgow will put on two buses to take spectators through to BT Murrayfield, while they will refund any supporters unable to make the match.

Sione Tuipulotu will captain a Glasgow side featuring 14 internationals and showing 10 changes from the XV that started last weekend’s win over Bath.

Edinburgh, meanwhile, remain intent on playing their Champions Cup match against Castres on Saturday at the Dam Health Stadium, although they do have the option of following Glasgow’s lead and moving the match to BT Murrayfield if their home pitch becomes unplayable.