Could happen: Plastic pitch
Wales could be set for an artificial pitch after chief executive Roger Lewis revealed that the move "is being given serious consideration".
The Cardiff pitch is notoriously tough to maintain because sunlight is blocked by the steep stands and it has to be relaid several times a year.
The Millennium Stadium will host at least six games at the 2015 RWC, and would be the only ground to use artificial grass in the tournament if they did press ahead with the proposal.
WRU chief executive Lewis told the Sunday Times that an artificial pitch "is being given serious consideration. We are looking at the implications".
One sticking point may be that the surface would not be suitable for some of the events the stadium hosts, in particular music shows.
"They use some very serious trucks for their equipment. We'd need to be satisfied that the new surface can take it," Lewis added.
The surface has been approved by the International Rugby Board - Maidenhead became the first British club to use the 3G surface this season and Saracens will lay a 3G artificial surface at their new stadium in Barnet.
Comments
jontheref says...
spartacus.
After 12 years, I am sure the WRU have got off of there collective backsides, and if it could be done, it would have bee done.
The Aviva does not have a roof, and they appear to be having the same problem.
I don't thinkthis is the simple fix you suggest.
In the mid noughties, even ina state like california, perfect growing conditions, the local councils went for 3G surfaces to cut down on maintenance.
They still have to treat for weeds, as the weeds grow in the black fill used to pad the surface out.
I'll buy you a pint at the Liberty on Wednesday if you are there.
Posted 18:12 21st December 2012
Spartacus says...
@jontheref - I would love to advise the Millenium stadium for the free beer, but my advice would be for them to get off their arses and go talk to the specialists wo sorted out similar issues in other stadiums. Do you think this is worth the beer?
Posted 21:30 18th December 2012
jontheref says...
Spartacus
Fair enough, you disagree with me, but it is a problem, and I want to move forward, not look back.
you said "All new stadiums seem to go through this - Milan and Murrayfield spring to mind - and it can be sorted "
Contact the Millennium Stadium, they would love to hear how to fix it, in fact they would pay you many beer tokens, and nights out in Cardiff!
Posted 08:58 18th December 2012
Spartacus says...
@Kent - you are being unfair to @JamieTheProp - The stadium design is fundamentally flawed if they cant get the grass to grow (regardless of how wonderful the stands are).
All new stadiums seem to go through this - Milan and Murrayfield spring to mind - and it can be sorted
I have to completely disagree with @jontheref - rugby IS about playing in different conditions which is part of the challenge. Tactics change, and there will inevitably be less passing in awful conditions, but the games can be just as exciting. Sometimes ability to deal with conditions gives a smaller team a better chance of beating a better team. Sanitised games under closed roofs with fake grass is just...........not rugby.
Posted 13:17 17th December 2012
jaycee_111 says...
jontheref
I too have refereed on the new surface and it is fine but I run a midweek league and the players won't use it so I ahve to hire grass ones.
The Aviva will have one pitch next year that is artifical, Saracens, and it is the RFUs grand plan to have Twickenham done in the future.
Posted 12:14 17th December 2012
artherfish says...
I have never played, seen or felt the proposed new surface. my first ill informed thought was och ultimate carpet burn or what after a tackle. Clearly this is not true and it has passed all the tests and if it offers consistant playing conditions then it seems like a good idea. Would be very sad to see it adopted as the norm though as it just feels wrong in a way.
Posted 10:40 17th December 2012
jontheref says...
Enclosing a grass surface is something that had not been done before, as many stadia are finding out, you need to have some part artificial to succeed in the UK climate.
As said before, if you haven't experienced the type of proposed pitch, get out and try one.
Even some of the "one eyes" may agree.
It truly is superb to play and ref on.
Posted 10:13 17th December 2012
Kent says...
@Jamietheprop - Silly comment
Posted 09:18 17th December 2012
JamieTheProp says...
Oh dear! This 'magnificent' stadium has been designed in a way that the pitch can't be maintained properly. But then the pitch isn't the most important part of the stadium is it? Hold on, no. that isn't right is it...
Posted 23:37 16th December 2012
Headhunter99 says...
Great idea, if the IRB have sanctioned the surface it should go ahead. Even as an Englishman I think the Millennium is one of the best rugby stadiums in the world, only the constant cutting up of the pitch lets it down. Also opens the stadium up for other events and sports.
Posted 22:54 16th December 2012
jontheref says...
About time too!
Aviva next?
iRB regs allowed this about 8 years ago.
For anyone who has played or refereed on this new surface, I have yet to find a dissenter.
Of course those who haven't, like to give their uniformed views!
Rugby is about running and passing, all the claptrap abut a game in the mud is so last century.
Posted 22:35 16th December 2012