The not-so-green grass of home

European rugby union champions Ulster have been told not to play or train on their pitch after the grass was killed off in a blunder with weedkiller.

Ulster Branch officials of the IRFU were left embarrassed as work got under way yesterday to bring their Ravenhill pitch back to life again.

The grass had turned bright yellow after the mistake by contractors, which means the Irish interprovincial match between Ulster, the European Cup champions, and Munster on September 3rd may have to be switched to Limerick.

Ulster Branch chief executive Michael Reid confirmed yesterday "It was human error, which was unfortunate. But it happens in every area of human life.

"It seems too strong a solution of weedkiller was used, but the ground has been re-seeded and, although it will be green again within a couple of weeks, we've been advised not to play or train on it for at least four weeks."

He added: "The contractors have accepted responsibility and been extremely helpful in getting on and putting it right.

There will be no financial loss and no legal action."

No decision on the Munster game will be made for another fortnight, but administrators are confident the pitch will be ready in time for the World Cup match between Australia and Romania on October 3rd.

They are also optimistic Ulster's World Cup warm-up match against Ireland on September 17th will go ahead at Ravenhill.