Further to yesterday’s confirmation that today’s (Saturday, 17 December) Heineken Champions Cup, Round 2 fixture between Ulster Rugby and Stade Rochelais could not be played at the Kingspan Stadium in Belfast due to pitch conditions, EPCR can now confirm that Ulster Rugby have elected to play the match at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium.

As per the requirements of the 2022/23 Heineken Champions Cup Participation Agreement, Ulster Rugby have nominated the Aviva Stadium as their alternative venue for this fixture.

The match in Pool B will be played as scheduled today (Saturday, 17 December) with an unchanged kick-off of 17.30 (local time).

Regrettably, because of issues with logistics, as well as concerns over spectator health and safety due to the timing of the venue change, the match will be played behind closed doors with no access for the paying public.

Following close consultation between Ulster Rugby and EPCR in recent days, and despite the efforts of the Kingspan Stadium ground staff, the decision was taken to move the fixture as the Kingspan playing surface was deemed unsafe due to the freezing conditions in Belfast.

Live television coverage will be as scheduled on BT Sport, beIN Sports, France Télévisions, SuperSport and FloRugby, and EPCR would like to thank all stakeholders for their understanding and co-operation.

Today – Heineken Champions Cup, Round 2
Pool B : Ulster Rugby v Stade Rochelais, Aviva Stadium (17.30)
Referee: Luke Pearce (Eng); Assistant referees: George Selwood (Eng), John Meredith (Eng); TMO: Rowan Kitt (Eng)