Wembley responds to pitch problems

Wembley Stadium officials today responded to renewed scrutiny over the state of their pitch by insisting they “always endeavour” to provide the best possible playing surface.

The Rugby Union Players’ Association in Australia has launched a health and safety investigation after props Matt Dunning and Sekope Kepu were both injured when a scrum collapsed in last week’s game against the Barbarians.

The matter has been referred to a six-man health and safety committee made up of representatives from RUPA and the Australian Rugby Union.

RUPA chief executive Tony Dempsey requested the investigation because he is anxious Australian players are not asked to play on unstable pitches.

He told the Sydney Daily Telegraph: “From discussions I have had it was very, very unstable under foot.”

“The employers are the ARU and as such they have a duty of care to ensure safe playing surfaces for the players. It is something definitely worth exploring.”

Dunning has undergone surgery on a ruptured Achilles’ and could be out for up to nine months while Kepu tore a pectoral muscle and his chances of featuring in the Super 14 are slim.

A Wembley spokesperson said today: “It is always unfortunate to see injuries in any game and our sympathies go out to the players concerned.

“Both teams trained on the pitch the day before the game and were familiar with the playing surface.

“In addition, 3000 juniors took part in six hours of non-stop rugby before kick-off.

“We are a multi-purpose venue and will always endeavour to provide the best possible playing surface for all events at Wembley.”