GLASGOW Warriors have been forced to switch their European Rugby Champions Cup clash with Racing 92 from Scotstoun to Kilmarnock.

The Glasgow side's pitch is still at risk of being declared unplayable after the recent downpours.

So following talks with EPCR, the decision has been made to play the match, which will be screened on Sky Sports on Saturday week, on Rugby Park's synthetic pitch.

The 18,128 all-seater Rugby Park stadium has a World Rugby compliant 3G pitch and hosted the first ever Tier 1 rugby international on an artificial surface in November 2014 when Scotland beat Tonga 37-12.

Around 6,650 tickets have already been sold for the clash with the Top 14 leaders and an additional 7,500 match tickets became available from glasgowwarriors.org earlier today.

Glasgow Warriors managing director Nathan Bombrys said: “We're disappointed to have to move another game away from our home at Scotstoun, but are pleased to have such a quality venue as Kilmarnock Football Club’s Rugby Park available to host this important European fixture.

“The unprecedented rainfall has flooded the Scotstoun pitch over the past few weeks, despite the best efforts of the club and Glasgow Life.

“Whilst we would prefer to be able to keep the match at Scotstoun, it is clear from the conditions that it is highly unlikely our pitch will be playable next weekend.

“We’ve taken the decision this week to give our supporters as much notice as possible to make their arrangements to support the team, as well as to provide both teams with certainty for their preparations for the match.

“The 3G pitch at Rugby Park will give our players the best possible surface and the increased capacity will enable more supporters to attend and get behind the team as the match was heading for a sell-out at Scotstoun."

Glasgow Warriors head coach Gregor Townsend said: "Naturally we're disappointed we can't play this match at Scotstoun, but we're glad a decision has been made early in order to safeguard the game and help our supporters make appropriate plans."