4G pitches for Rugby

pgj2015

I just read that Connacht have a new 4G pitch.

is that really a good pitch for playing rugby on?

doesn't seem right to me, soccer isn't great on them pitches, id say rugby would be worse?

sprucemoose

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058266029/4g-pitches-for-rugby

the newer ones are fine

Boscoirl

there are plenty pluses with 4G pitch. Especially with pitch availability( a massive plus for club rugby)

Was at the Bohs V Nenagh game on Sat in UL on their 4G pitch. Towards the end of the game the Bohs winger took a face plant into the ground and split his head open. There was an awful lot of blood along with no knowing where he was. Not 100% sure it would have been as bad if it was a grass pitch.

sprucemoose

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119702023#Comment_119702023

agreed and unless we move (both at amateur and professional levels) to a global calendar/summer rugby then they have to be a necessary evil. they might be a bit harder than a standard grass pitch might be in the pissing wet but id much prefer one that is moderately firm all year round rather than a pitch that is like rock at the start/end of the season and soup for most of it.

and look at how much artificial pitches have improved in the last 10/15 years, another little bit of innovation in the next while and they will be indistinguishable from natural grass

shoutman

Even the newer ones are harder on the joints, and the friction burns can be awful if the pitches aren't looked after.

The plus side is it leads to a faster game as people physically move quicker on that surface.

It also is great for clubs with limited playing pitches as you don't need to "protect" them in inclement weather by postponing training sessions or matches.