Storm Eimi Forces First Major Sporting Postponement: Edinburgh-Ulster Rugby Match Called Off
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND – October 3, 2023 – Storm Eimi has claimed its first major sporting event postponement, forcing the cancellation of the united rugby Championship game between Edinburgh and Ulster, originally scheduled for The Hive Stadium. the match was initially moved forward by 65 minutes in an attempt to avoid the worst of the stormS impact, but ultimately deemed unsafe to proceed.
The postponement comes as the Great Britain Meteorological Service issued an orange weather warning for Northern Ireland and Scotland, forecasting wind gusts of 60-70 miles per hour. An orange warning signifies a high probability of severe weather, second onyl to a red warning in severity.
The United Rugby Union confirmed the cancellation, stating, “The BKT United Rugby Championship game between ‘edinburgh’ and ‘Ulster’ was postponed. Due to the deteriorating weather conditions in Scotland at night through the Sturm Eimi, this was postponed to later for the evening of Friday, October 3, in Edinburgh.”
The league added it will ”examine available dates with broadcasters and both clubs to re-plan the game.” organizers had hoped to play before a full audience but prioritized the safety of players and fans.
Concerns are also mounting for other sporting events in the region.Junior competitions in scottish racing have already been canceled, with the main race on Sunday still expected to proceed. Several Scottish Premier League games are scheduled for this weekend, including celtic versus Motherwell and Falkirk against Rangers.
The Northern Irish Football League (NIFL) announced all games within areas under orange or red weather warnings will be postponed.Games scheduled for Friday evening include Linfield against Crusaders and Cliftonville versus Glentoran.
Yellow warnings for wind and rain are also in effect across northern England, as well as yellow wind warnings for southern England and the Midlands, and similar warnings cover north, west, and south Wales.
The Meteorological Service stated the wind will subside across most regions by Saturday afternoon, but will remain strong in the northern Islands and parts of northwest Scotland through Saturday evening. ScotRail has already confirmed the closure of several train lines on Friday evening in anticipation of travel disruptions.
