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SA rugby to benefit from FIFA

Bronkhorstspruit - Rugby in South Africa is set to benefit from 25 new astro turf pitches that will be built in rural communities as part of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Legacy programme.

"Our next 25 pitches will be suitable for rugby and soccer," the soccer programme's manager, Greg Fredericks, said on Sunday.

With the first phase of 27 world class facilities nearing completion, an asserted effort would be made, officials said, to ensure rugby was brought on board in the initiative, which receives its backing from the National Lottery Board.

Fredericks said in some cases up to 56 soccer teams, in what are considered smaller communities, were expected to establish themselves at these venues.

Rugby would, according to Fredericks, also find its place at similar stadiums as the sport continues to grow in popularity.

"Interestingly, at one of the facilities we developed in Limpopo, three rugby games have already been played," said Fredericks.

"At the moment these fields aren't 100% certified for rugby, but FIFA and the International Rugby Board are currently in talks to come up with a surface that is suitable for both rugby and football."

While the low maintenance cost of synthetic pitches appealed to administrators and sponsors, coaches would also sleep easier knowing that their players would be less exposed to injury, according to Fredericks.

This because FIFA had conducted extensive scientific testing on the concept with only five companies worldwide qualified to construct the playing surfaces.

"It is as safe as a normal field, if not safer, for football," Fredericks said.

"We now want to ensure that same safety for rugby and that will be a tremendous boost for the sport.

"We will be talking to SARU (the SA Rugby Union) about the next phase as rugby also needs to be involved in ensuring we cherish the 2010 FIFA World Cup legacy."

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