The remaining Junior World Championship matches scheduled to be played in Stellenbosch have been moved to Cape Town, the International Rugby Board (IRB) announced on Saturday.
The IRB said it had made a joint decision with the SA Rugby Union (Saru) to shift the remaining Stellenbosch fixtures to Newlands Stadium and Cape Town Stadium.
“With the surface at the Danie Craven Stadium having cut up significantly after two rounds of three matches... and bad weather hitting the Cape Town area, the decision was agreed by all stakeholders following an inspection of the surface,” the IRB said in a statement.
Tournament Director Philippe Bourdarias said pitch conditions had deteriorated to the extent that there was not enough time to recover between matches at the Stellenbosch venue.
“It is a shame to move, but unfortunately the pitch could not withstand the demand placed upon it given the poor weather conditions,” Bourdarias said.
“Newlands and Cape Town Stadium are world class venues and I would like to thank Saru and Western Province for making them available.”
Saru said fans who had bought tickets for the remaining matches in Stellenbosch would be able to swop tickets for other venues. – Sapa