Like many sports, there’s a debate between the merits of artificial grass and natural grass in rugby. Most stadiums in both rugby league and union have natural grass. However, there are a growing number of stadiums opting for artificial grass rugby fields due to the range of benefits these surfaces offer. Let’s take a look at the need-to-knows of artificial grass rugby fields, the regulations in place, and the advantages.
Rugby Field Regulations
In 2003, World Rugby produced the “Performance Specification for Artificial Grass Pitches for Rugby,” more commonly known as “Regulation 22”. It provides suppliers and facilities with the necessary information to produce and install pitch systems that are appropriate for rugby union. Only Regulation 22 compliant artificial turf surfaces can be used for rugby training or matches. Every rugby field must be tested on installation and then every two years, by an accredited test institute, in order to stay compliant.
In 2015, World Rugby increased the minimum Head Injury Criterion (HIC) requirement to 1.3m. This means that, for a rugby turf system to comply with World Rugby Regulation 22, a shock pad needs to be installed underneath the carpet. In 3G artificial turf systems, there is a shock pad installed.
3G rugby fields are currently the only artificial turf technology approved for use by World Rugby and the RFU. They strongly advise that artificial grass pitches use a 60mm carpet, as these have a proven track record of being excellent for rugby. They will, however, consider carpets with pile heights of between 50mm and 60mm for multi-sport, community-based pitches, offering rugby as an additional sport. In other words, pile heights of under 60mm cannot be used for surfaces where rugby is the primary sport.
The Benefits of an Artificial Grass Rugby Field
New technology has made it possible for an artificial grass pitch to look like natural grass, replicating the bounce and performance of real grass, while having some key advantages. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of an artificial grass rugby field.
1. Durability
Typically, natural grass pitches can handle between 2-6 hours of use per week. Artificial grass, on the other hand, can withstand between 60-80 hours of use per week. An artificial grass rugby field is much more durable than natural grass, provided it is properly maintained.
On a similar note, artificial grass rugby pitches can be used in all weather conditions, thanks to their free-draining nature. During times of heavy rainfall or freezing weather, natural grass rugby pitches can become unfit for use, due to safety concerns for the players. Matches are called off and people are left disappointed. However, artificial grass systems are free-draining to prevent water logging, and cannot freeze over. No more cancelled or postponed matches due to poor weather!
2. Low Maintenance
While maintenance is crucial if you have an artificial grass rugby pitch, however, they are generally much easier to maintain than a natural grass surface. Natural turf requires regular mowing, watering and fertilising to make sure it grows in the best way possible. Artificial grass simply requires regular brushing. To keep your artificial grass rugby pitch looking its best, you need to clear the pitch from debris everyday, and give it a brush to ensure the fibres are not becoming impacted. An artificial grass rugby surface will be much easier and less time-consuming to maintain than a natural grass pitch.
3. Improved Performance
As mentioned previously, artificial grass rugby pitches are more durable than natural grass pitches. This means they will continue to perform well for much longer, through hundreds of hours of use. Natural grass pitches will develop lumps, bumps and holes over time, resulting in an uneven, dangerous surface. With synthetic turf, the height and thickness of every blade is perfectly uniform, making for consistent ball behaviour. Providing you maintain an artificial grass surface properly, the pitch will stay even and consistent for years.
Talk to us about your Rugby Field
Looking for an artificial grass rugby pitch of your own? We’d be happy to help. Talk to our team about our rugby pitch installation process or check out our rugby services page for more information.
