Saturday's Football, Hockey and Rugby fixtures could be hit hard once again by the freezing conditions.

Only three Rugby matches were possible last weekend - all Football and Hockey matches were postponed.

The astro pitch at the National Sports Centre in Douglas is still covered in ice with staff admitting it will take a considerable thaw for it to be ready for Saturday.

The surface at Peel is also said to be frozen solid.

A fortnight of very low temperatures means the cold is well rooted into grass pitches around the island - the forecast for tonight suggests temperatures will dip down to -5C.

The astro pitches in Douglas and Peel remain closed today.

Castle Rushen and Ramsey are open but organisers of training sessions are asked to keep an eye on conditions after dark.

The Manx Hockey Association says players should listen to Manx Radio and check the usual websites early on Saturday morning before travelling to games - inspections at all venues are due to take place before 10am.