IRFU officials yesterday met representatives of Shannon and Bohemian rugby clubs to discuss the condition of the pitch at Thomond Park. The course of action agreed was that grit slits would immediately be introduced to improve the drainage.

The IRFU issued a statement in the wake of the discussions. "Following a pitch inspection at Thomond Park by the IRFU agronomist, Eddie Connaughton, it has been decided to install a series of grit slits to the city end of the pitch to remove surface water that has caused the pitch to be unplayable.

"Those works will commence immediately and the Thomond Park management committee is hopeful that the pitch will be playable, provided we do not continue to experience the excessive rainfall of the past few months.

"The tenant clubs who were represented at the meeting have agreed to assess the progress on Monday, January 11th, and make decisions on their forthcoming AIB League matches at that time."