Irish rugby chiefs were united in support of last night's decision to conclude the 2001 Six Nations Championship next season after the postponement of all matches involving Ireland because of the foot and mouth crisis. Six Nations organisers took the unprecedented step of cancelling the remainder of Ireland's fixtures after heeding the advice of government officials.
The number of cases of foot and mouth are still on the increase – and following the recent ruling that stipulates no Irish sporting fixtures should take place until 30 days after the last case is recorded, Six Nations chiefs felt there was no alternative but to postpone the tournament until the new domestic season starts in September.
A statement from the Six Nations Committee said: "A meeting of the Six Nations Committee was held this evening to discuss the current status of the foot and mouth epidemic and its effect on the Lloyds TSB Six Nations Championship. After reviewing the current position and the likely prognosis for the foreseeable future it has been unanimously decided that the following matches will be postponed until the commencement of next season: Wales v Ireland, Ireland v England and Scotland v Ireland."
The committee confirmed that England v France will take place on Saturday April 7 and Italy v Wales on April 8.
Although the decision was inevitable - given the failure to stem the foot and mouth outbreak - it draws a temporary halt to what could have been an intriguing championship. Having won their opening two matches, Ireland were quietly confident of ending England's reign and are bitterly disappointed at the postponement of their clash with Clive Woodward's men which had originally been set for March 24 and has now been put back again from its revised date of May 5.
"The Irish Rugby Football Union share in the decision that has been made, and it is absolutely understandable given the circumstances in which it has been taken," said IRFU spokesman John Redmond.
"The commitment to complete the tournament is as determined as ever, and while Ireland are disappointed that their momentum has been halted they look forward to taking up the challenge as quickly as the games can be fixed. In no way will these postponements dilute the games in any regard."
Ireland coach Warren Gatland added: "It's a disappointment, but we're not surprised about it. We had a meeting last week and had prepared for this decision." (PA)
Filed by Seán Folan
