The pitch had been covered by a 'warm air blanket' since yesterday morning at which stage officials were confident that the game would go ahead. However overnight temperatures dropped to -9 and a further deterioration is expected tonight

Commenting on the situation Munster Chief Executive Garrett Fitzgerald said. " While our inspection this morning showed part of the pitch unplayable, the continuing use of the 'warm air blanket' would, in our opinion have left the pitch playable by 5pm tomorrow if conditions remained as they are now. However, given the forecast of lower temperatures and snow overnight, we felt it would be unfair to those travelling or planning to travel to leave a final decision until the morning and have therefore abandoned the idea of playing the game."