Worcester Warriors remain confident of staging the Amlin Challenge Cup clash with Olympus Rugby XV Madrid at Sixways Stadium on Saturday afternoon (kick-off 3pm).
The club has been in constant dialogue with tournament organisers ERC and opponents Olympus Rugby XV Madrid throughout the week ahead of the Round 5 clash in Pool 2 to keep all parties informed of current playing conditions at Sixways.
Despite heavy snowfall on Tuesday and Wednesday, ground staff at Warriors have continued to prepare the stadium complex and pitch ahead of a scheduled game at Sixways this Saturday.
Over 100 tonnes of snow has already been removed from the stadium, using equipment generously supplied by Smiths Plant Hire, and work is underway on surrounding areas to make sure they are safe and secure for supporters.
Charlie Little, General Manager at Warriors, said: “The last two days has seen a number of factors change by the hour, but it has always been our number one intention to try and stage the game at Sixways.
“It has become clear today (Thursday) that underneath the recent snowfall the vast majority of the pitch is playable and this is due to higher temperatures than we expected last night.
“The forecast is still changing on a regular basis, but the next 48 hours should see the snow around the site thaw and disperse. Grass is already appearing through the snow on the pitch as temperatures rise.
“We now plan to concentrate all our efforts in drawing the frost out of areas that forced the recent game with London Irish game to be postponed. Sports and Stadia Services have come to us and believe that they have a solution that we help us achieve that aim and we appreciate all their efforts.
“Local referee Chris White was at the club today (Thursday) and commented on the noticeable improvement since last weekend. Whilst the pitch is not playable at the moment, further improvement at the same rate will make it playable by match day. The match referee, Leighton Hodges, will also be at the stadium tomorrow.
“It is important we make the decision now to play the game at Sixways on Saturday, with Madrid set to travel over from Spain on booked flights and also to allow our supporters to make travel arrangements.
“As part of our participation agreement with ERC, every effort must be made to play the game at Sixways on the designated date and our confidence is growing by the day that this will be achieved.”
Tickets remain on sale for the Amlin Challenge Cup clash with Olympus Rugby XV Madrid. Call the Warriors Box Office on 01905 454183 or visit the online Tickets section at www.warriors.co.uk