WRU investigate laying artificial pitch at the Millennium Stadium

Hotel, Sport & Leisure Tue, Mar 22, 2016 5:07 PM

WRU investigate laying artificial pitch at the Millennium Stadium

Saracens will next month become the first professional rugby team to play on a permanent artificial pitch when they move to Allianz Park in Barnet.

Now Wales could become the first national team to play home internationals on a similar surface.

Roger Lewis, chief executive of the WRU, has confirmed that such a move was a consideration despite likely widespread condemnation from traditionalists.

“We will look very carefully at the new pitch at Saracens and take an informed view from players and officials,” he said. “We have to make sure the surface gives us the flexibility we need. We are not only a stadium where international rugby is played, but we play host to concerts and of course speedway.”

The stadium, which is 13 years old this year, is widely regarded as the best of its kind in world rugby. However, the poor condition of the surface has long been a talking point.

Lewis said the change would need “the full support of the Millennium Stadium board, International Rugby Board, our stakeholders and partners and RWC 2015”.

The revolutionary move would bring an end to the perennial problems which have dogged the grass pitch since the first match was played at the Millennium back in 1999.

Even as recently as Wales’ autumn campaign, Warren Gatland’s stars continually lost their footing on the sometimes treacherous surface.

Three years ago the Welsh football team quit playing at the Millennium Stadium after then manager John Toshack and his captain Craig Bellamy complained bitterly about the state of the surface.

The Welsh footballers argued the pitch was not suitable for international soccer matches.

The WRU hope to have the new plastic surface in place at their plush 74,000-seater stadia in time for the 2015 World Cup. Six games in the showpiece tournament will be staged in Cardiff.

But it could be ready a year earlier, with Wales possibly playing their home games in the 2014 Six Nations tournament on artificial grass.

It would be the first time an international rugby match has been staged on such a surface.

The WRU have sought approval for their plans from International Rugby Board power-brokers and permission is said to have been granted.

The move would anger rugby traditionalists, but the IRB believe the likelihood of injuries on an artificial surface would be no greater than on grass. Their initial findings also indicate the problems of collapsed scrums would be decreased, because players would have a sounder footing.

The Millennium Stadium turf is currently replaced several times a year because or problems growing the grass, sunlight unable to get in because of the steep stands cited as one of the reasons.

Featured News

Specification news
Gradus XT stair edgings provide premium finish to...

As part of a high-spec refurbishment ahead of the grand opening of The Yacht Torquay,...

Read More >>

Specification news
An unmissable, BIG 30th anniversary edition of SPATEX...

SPATEX, the UK’s only dedicated annual water leisure expo, is preparing to stage a...

Read More >>

BUILDING PRODUCT LIBRARY - LATEST BROCHURES

Rearo Tradeline Brochure

Rearo Tradeline
By Rearo

Download Now >>

Rearo Sustainability Plan Brochure

Rearo Sustainability...
By Rearo

Download Now >>

Rearo Stericlad Brochure

Rearo Stericlad
By Rearo

Download Now >>

A&S Landscape - Bumper Newsletter Brochure

A&S Landscape - Bump...
By A&S Landscape

Download Now >>

A&S Landscape - Contractors Brochure

A&S Landscape - Cont...
By A&S Landscape

Download Now >>

BUILDING PRODUCT DIRECTORY - LATEST PRODUCTS

NURTURE EARLY YEARS CUBICLES
NURTURE EARLY YEARS CUBICLES

The Nurture Range provides child-friendly, durable 12mm SGL washroom solutions for nurseries and...

Read More >>

Triumph Custom-fit Cubicles For The Most Sophisticated Spaces
Triumph Custom-fit Cubicles For The Most Sophisticated Spaces

Triumph Privacy offers enhanced privacy while maintaining the sleek aesthetic of the Triumph range....

Read More >>

ELEVATE CUSTOM-FIT CUBICLES WITH A PRIVACY OPTION
ELEVATE CUSTOM-FIT CUBICLES WITH A PRIVACY OPTION

Elevate cubicles offer enhanced height and privacy for superior comfort and security. Durable nickel...

Read More >>

CONSTRUCTION VIDEOS - LATEST VIDEOS

Mira Vista Heatloop
Mira Vista Heatloop

Mira Showers is delighted to introduce the new Mira Vista HeatloopTM – an innovative and stylish...

Watch Now >>

Why our Canopies Last Longer
Why our Canopies Last Longer

https://www.aandslandscape.co.uk/ Find out why A&S Landscape Canopies last longer than alternatives....

Watch Now >>

Enclosed Dining Canopy - Hampton Gardens School
Enclosed Dining Canopy - Hampton Gardens School

A&S Landscape designed and installed a large enclosed, curved roof canopy for Hampton Gardens School...

Watch Now >>