In addition, the Leicester Tigers versus London Wasps match in round 13 of the Guinness Premiership will now kick-off at 3.15pm on Saturday 9th January. The match was previously scheduled to kick-off at 5.30pm and be televised by Sky Sports. Sky Sports have confirmed they will televise the match at the earlier time.
The change of kick-offs is intended to reduce the risk of the pitches re-freezing in the very low temperatures.
Premier Rugby's Rugby Director Phil Winstanley explained, "This season, PRL and its clubs have secured access to a central system of pitch covers and heaters provided by Sports and Stadia Services. Through this contract we are able to provide up to three systems on any weekend which offers some protection against extreme weather conditions. We have seen the benefit of this system at a number of games this season already, most recently the Sale Sharks match against Harlequins on 27th December that I think we would otherwise have lost.
"This weekend we are seeing lower temperatures forecasted than at any other part of the winter so far and whilst the system can protect the pitch when the cover is in place, the temperature drops so quickly once the cover is removed that the pitches could re-freeze. Temperatures will drop more quickly in the evening and at night time and Sky Sports and all the Clubs involved recognise the importance of these fixtures to our supporters and have made this early decision to change the kick off time.
"I am most grateful to all four clubs for their cooperation and to Sky Sports for moving their schedule around to accommodate the re-arranged Leicester Tigers versus London Wasps match."
The round 13 Guinness Premiership fixtures in full are:
Saturday 9th January, 1.05pm, Sale Sharks v Saracens, Edgeley Park
Saturday 9th January, 2.15pm, Bath Rugby v Northampton Saints, Recreation Ground
Saturday 9th January, 3.00pm, Harlequins v Leeds Carnegie, Twickenham Stoop
Saturday 9th January, 3.00pm, Worcester Warriors v London Irish, Sixways
Saturday 9th January, 3.15pm, Leicester Tigers v London Wasps, Welford Road, Sky Sports
Sunday 10th January, 3.00pm, Newcastle Falcons v Gloucester Rugby, Kingston Park
