France coach wanted to play Paris match

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• Watch: Clare MacNamara reports from Paris on the abandoned France-Ireland game and gets the views of RTÉ analyst Tony Ward.
• Watch: Irish head coach Declan Kidney gives his perspective on the postponement of the France-Ireland game to RTÉ's Clare MacNamara.

France coach Phillipe Saint-André has said he would have preferred to play the RBS 6 Nations clash between France and Ireland at Stade De France on Saturday night.

A decision to postpone the match was taken minutes before tyhe scheduled 8pm (Irish time) kick-off and RBS 6 Nations officials were quick to back the decision of referee Dave Pearson.

RBS 6 Nations Media and Communications manager, Christine Connolly, fielding no questions, told reporters: "Unfortunately on the advice of the referee it was decided that it was unplayable.

"He came here yesterday and inspected it under the covers and then again at 7.30pm (French time) this evening and it was playable.

"However, sadly in the 90 minutes after the covers were drawn back it froze over in several areas and was unplayable."

Saint-André said France would have been happy to play.

He said: "We would have preferred to play. The changing room was electric, the players were really ready to play but you have to respect the referee's decision, it's he who is in charge of players' safety."

Speaking to supporters on the pitch, France captain Thierry Dusautoir added: "It's a real shame for you all but unfortunately the match has had to be cancelled. I hope you will all come and support us next time. The decision has been taken, and now we will prepare for the next time."

French rugby federation president Pierre Camou expressed his "massive disappointment" at the cancellation.

Speaking at a press conference, he said: "I'm sad for all the fans who've travelled, those who've come here from outside Paris."

Camou couldn't resist a pop at English referee Pearson, who did not say anything after the match.

He said: "I cannot speak for the referee as he for his own reasons has chosen not to appear to explain himself. I watched the Italy v England game earlier on where the pitch was covered in snow in places, and I would like to remind you that the referee was French!"

Fans were furious at the decision to postpone the match.

Mark Kelly, a salesman from Dublin, told AFP: "You wouldn't get this in schoolboy rugby! Me and my wife have been planning this for a year, St Valentine's weekend and all that.

"These French friends came over last year to Dublin and we said we'd come this year. With hotel and flights and organising nannies for the two kids it has cost €1,000.

The first we knew was 10 minutes after it was meant to kick off. The referee didn't have the courtesy to come and announce it himself. I can't come back as I can't take another day off."

There has been no decision taken on when a re-fixed match will take place. Next weekend and 2 March are both possibilities. A decision will be announced on Monday.