With both the Blues and Principality Premiership side Cardiff playing regular rugby on the surface, there were times last season when the surface was not of suitable quality for a running style of rugby.
Blues boss Phil Davies believes his side need good to conditions to implement their way of playing and with that in mind, the region’s hierarchy have followed the example of Saracens in putting in an artificial pitch.
The move has been backed by Davies’ squad – Gavin Evans and Sam Hobbs, who both played for the Blues against Saracens on their artificial pitch, particularly praising the decision.
“The surface up at Saracens was similar to the 3G pitch we train on at the Vale Resort,” said Evans, who captained the Blues against Saracens at Allianz Park last January.
“The players didn’t suffer many burns – no more than you would playing on grass on a sunny day.
“It was good underfoot and the players will soon get used to playing on it.
“For me it’s certainly a big thumbs up and I’d rather play on a 3G pitch like the Saracens’ one than the type of surface we played the Dragons on during the Christmas period.”
Launched in 2011, the FieldTurf Optimum fibre, which will be used at the Arms Park, is the result of innovative science, engineering and technology.
With the safety of players of paramount importance, the new pitch will have plenty of give and due to the combined shock pad and carpet system, both teams can challenge for the ball in the air with no more risk than playing on grass.
Work on installing the new pitch has already begun ahead of the Blues playing their first match on the new surface against Sale Sharks on Friday, August 23.
Referring to his previous experience of artificial turf against Saracens, Hobbs added: “I found very little difference and thought the footing in the scrum was a lot better.
“I was really impressed and can’t remember many scrums going down.
“The tempo of the match was a lot easier because the ball wasn’t covered in mud and it felt a lot cleaner.
“I think it’s great for the region that we are going ahead with the artificial pitch and I’m looking forward to playing on it next season.”
