Pitching up for debate on surfaces

It’s almost four years to the day since Saracens broke ground — and tradition — by unveiling an artificial pitch at their newly built Allianz Park stadium.

When it came to deciding on the surface their new home would have, it was quickly agreed, after taking various elements into consideration, that the new generation 4G pitch was the way to go, beginning an ‘era without mud’ for rugby.

Given the running costs of this new surface would be £18,000 (€20,700) per year compared to £85,000 (€98,000) for the upkeep of a grass pitch, it was clear 4G made financial sense too.