Share

Artificial pitch for 2015 RWC?

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."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
How much would you be prepared to pay for a ticket to watch the Springboks play against the All Blacks at Ellis Park or Cape Town Stadium this year?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
R0 - R200
33% - 1818 votes
R200 - R500
32% - 1778 votes
R500 - R800
19% - 1084 votes
R800 - R1500
8% - 461 votes
R1500 - R2500
3% - 187 votes
I'd pay anything! It's the Boks v All Blacks!
5% - 254 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE