Rugby united behind postponement

Ireland will be playing no more rugby until the autumn

Rugby was united in support of Sunday's decision to conclude the 2001 Six Nations Championship next season.

Six Nations organisers took the unprecedented step of cancelling the remainder of Ireland's fixtures after heeding the advice of government officials over the foot-and-mouth crisis.

IRFU spokesman John Redmond said, "It is absolutely understandable given the circumstances.

"While Ireland are disappointed that their momentum has been halted they look forward to taking up the challenge as quickly as the games can be fixed."

Whatever the squad goes through we look to come out stronger

  Matt Dawson

Ireland coach Warren Gatland said, "It's a disappointment, but we're not surprised about it."

Rugby Football Union chief executive Francis Baron also agreed there was no viable alternative.

"Obviously we share the disappointment of all rugby supporters, but we also fully understand and support the reasons behind it," he said.

Northampton and England scrum-half Matt Dawson also accepted the decision was inevitable but insists the postponement of the tournament will not detract from England's barnstorming season.

"Superficially it might take the gloss off what England could achieve, but whatever the squad goes through we look to learn from it and come out stronger," said BBC Sport Online's expert pundit.

There's more to life than rugby

  Mike Catt

"We must first concentrate on our match against France, move on over the summer with the Lions tour and then meet up again with England at the beginning of next season to conclude the tournament."

Dawson's England colleague and Bath back Mike Catt agreed.

"Even though England have been playing well this season, it's not disappointing because there are a lot of people who are in worse situations than we are as players.

"Obviously it's very unfortunate, but there's more to life than rugby.

"It hasn't been an ordinary international season.

"It's a shame for some of the other players, especially those from Ireland who were on the verge of getting into the Lions squad.

"Now they won't get the same opportunity to prove what they are about."