Loughborough Rugby launch new 3G pitch

Loughborough Students Rugby Football Club’s (LSRFC) chances of improving on last season’s 12th place finish in National League 1 have been given a timely boost with the installation of a stunning new artificial playing surface on their first XV pitch.

Installed by SIS Pitches, the pitch features an immaculate green carpet finish, new posts and improved crowd hosting facilities. Meticulously constructed over the past three months, the pitch is ready to welcome local rivals Coventry this Saturday 12th September, Loughborough’s first home game of the season.

The Rugger 65 artificial grass surface, designed and installed by SIS Pitches, is the same as seen at Saracen’s Allianz Stadium as well as at Kingston Park, the home of Newcastle Falcons. SIS also supplies similar pitches to other high profile sports teams including Barcelona, Chelsea, Manchester United and Real Madrid.

The special yarn used on the top layer offers optimum pile recovery and resilience, with glass fibre reinforcement for durability, which will substantially increase playing time on the First XV pitch. At the same time, player comfort is a key factor and special additives are used to provide softness to prevent player abrasion, with maintenance to be performed by SIS Pitches to ensure the new surface stays in peak condition.

Dr Paul Fleming, who is an expert in artificial surfaces, commented:

“Artificial turf technology has reached a high quality for player performance, comfort and durability, when maintained correctly through their life. The similar SIS system installed at Saracens was scrutinised carefully as might be expected at professional level and the feedback has been very positive. The sports surface research team here at Loughborough will be monitoring this additional new facility over the coming seasons alongside the several other high quality artificial pitches on the campus.”

Meanwhile Director of Rugby Dave Morris added:

“The new artificial surface should suit our style of rugby as the pitch is fast and very consistent in terms foot placement and the way the ball reacts, regardless of the weather. In a wider context across campus, the pitch can now be used extensively, much to the benefit of players across the whole spectrum of rugby.

“Our first game on this pitch in the RFU National League is this Saturday against Coventry, and we’re excited to be bringing a game that involves local bragging rights onto our new pitch.”  

As the first university side ever to be admitted to the RFU National League, and with the clubs centenary just four years away, the new pitch should see Loughborough into a bright future.

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