Rugby:France wing Vincent Clerc has raised concerns over the safety of Stade de France pitch ahead of Ireland's Six Nations visit to Paris on Saturday.

The Toulouse player says the pitch could be dangerous and unplayable if the forecast for the weekend is accurate.

It is expected to fall below zero degress Celsius on Saturday evening, with some predicting temperatures of minus six or seven.

The cold weather has already forced the abandonment of the captain’s run on Friday and Clerc feels there should also be doubt over the game, which is scheduled to kick-off at 9pm local time (8pm Irish time).

"If it's minus seven (degrees) on Saturday, there is reason for concern over the frozen pitch," Clerc told reporters today. "It was already frozen when we played Italy (last Saturday). The parts near the touchline were frozen."

The French rugby federation insists hot-air blowers and covers, will stay on the pitch until two hours before kick-off, are expected to maintain a pitch temperature at around 3 degrees.