Artificial Pitches

[goodNumber10]

What's peoples thoughts?

We use a 4g pitch for training each week and it's brilliant but I'm noticing something odd in the last few games I've watched that involved them.

Just something seems odd, like there is a lowering in physicality... Or possibly intensity.

Just me then?

 

[sigesige00]

I think that the technological development of field turf will replace the current natural grass.

 

[lynam1104]

With you GN10 here in singapore everything is moving in that direction, both my club and school have put in artificial pitches in the last 2 years they're much better for the climate here (poor soil +tropical rain = flooding). I also think the consistency and ease of maintenance is much better.

 

[Thingimubob]

Has helped the Arms Park to no end after the boggy mess of a pitch that was there last season. Definitely more entertaining rugby been played, in particular during the winter months! That said, can't see them becoming that widespread in the UK until FIFA and the FA formally endorse them. This is probably why the Millennium Stadium are replacing their ever problematic grass pitch with a Liberty Stadium style hybrid pitch instead of a Blues/Sarries style artificial one. I'd imagine they wouldn't wanna lose their status as a football venue, in particular as a potential Euro 2020 venue. Might see more non-pro set ups look at them, but cost the Blues a good £400,000 to install their 4G one so could be a bit out of price range for most!

 

[Howzy]

Falcons are suppose to be getting one for next season apparently

 

[ratsapprentice]

Hybrid pitches are the way forward.

Artificial pitches do significantly increase the stress placed on players lower bodies - particularly for forwards.

They're great for community stadiums - but they are not the highest quality surface available.

 

[goodNumber10]

Hybrid pitches are the way forward.

Artificial pitches do significantly increase the stress placed on players lower bodies - particularly for forwards.

They're great for community stadiums - but they are not the highest quality surface available.

yep! i agree with that.

 

[MarauderRugby17]

yep! i agree with that.

Only thing I don't like about it is the turf burn. I'm fine with taking a big hit, but I'm a huge sissy about the turf burns

 

[ratsapprentice]

Only thing I don't like about it is the turf burn. I'm fine with taking a big hit, but I'm a huge sissy about the turf burns

I'm with you on that... I can take blunt force pain all day - but sharp pains like cuts and burns **** me right up.

 

[Thingimubob]

Has any scientific proof come out about the injuries to players lower bodies/joints? Not denying it, just interested in the stats and wondering if there is a significant difference? Never personally run on an artificial pitch though, but felt really spongy walking on the Cardiff one

 

[ratsapprentice]

http://irbplayerwelfare.com/?documentid=27

Anecdotally, a lot of players and coaches really do not like it.
They say that they take far longer to recover after playing on one than they do if they play on turf - particularly front-rowers.
Which makes sense - it's a firmer surface so running on it is more impactful.

 

[big ginger 8]

Yes as a frontrower I hate playing on an astro. Especially when I only have one pair of boots and they have 21mm studs...

It's fairly rare to be able to walk right the next day.