Rugby
Artificial pitch for 2015 RWC?
2012-12-16 21:02
London - The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) says it will consider installing a synthetic pitch at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff for matches scheduled to take place at the 2015 World Cup.
The Welsh national arena is set to host six games during the tournament but with the pitch currently needing to be relayed several times a year, the WRU believe an artificial surface might be the solution.
"It is being given serious consideration. We are looking at the implications," WRU chief executive Roger Lewis said in an interview with The Sunday Times.
The surface, which has been approved by the International Rugby Board (IRB), comprises a layer of stone, a thick rubber shock pad, and a covering of artificial grass filled in with black rubber crumb.
However, the WRU has concerns over whether the pitch would be able to handle the preparations for the live music shows that the stadium regularly hosts.
"They use some very serious trucks for their equipment," Lewis said.
"We'd need to be satisfied that the new surface can take it."