Ulster say a decision will be made on Friday whether the frost-hit Kingspan Stadium pitch is playable for Saturday’s Heineken Champions Cup match with La Rochelle.

“We are making every effort that we can to get our game against Stade Rochelais played here,” said the Ulster chief.

“We have various contingency plans in place, but our focus remains on getting the game played here at home.”

With freezing temperatures expected to last into Saturday in Northern Ireland before conditions improve in the later part of the weekend, there have been suggestions the match against the French side could be moved although this was not directly alluded to in Petrie’s statement.

“I would like to thank our ground staff for their round-the-clock work, which includes everything from frost covers to on-pitch heaters, with these efforts continuing throughout tonight in our ongoing effort to get the game played here,” added the Ulster chief in Thursday’s statement.

“We continue to be in regular contact with the team at EPCR to update them on the latest situation and are working together to make the decision on whether the pitch is a safe playing surface or if we need to action a contingency, with a call likely being made tomorrow afternoon.”

Petrie thanked Ulster fans for their “continued patience and support” before concluding his statement by saying: “Here’s hoping we can come together at Kingspan Stadium on Saturday.”

The northern province lost 39-0 away to Sale in their Champions Cup opener.

Following Saturday’s heavy defeat at Sale, Ulster need to beat Ronan O’Gara’s La Rochelle to boost their hopes of progressing in the competition.