If Saracens can become reigning double champions, and set up another Champions Cup semi-final after beating Glasgow Warriors, what can other clubs do to replicate that success?
There’s no doubt that it takes the right nutrition, hours of training in all weather conditions and talent to reap the rewards, but what else plays a huge part in a successful campaign? The pitch.
The brainchild of global pitch specialists SIS Pitches, Allianz Park uses a SISTurf synthetic surface, which like most other artificial pitches, is designed to give outstanding performance and maximum durability all year round.
Not only used by Saracens, men and ladies, it also caters for an estimated 3,000 hours a year community use.
And with the RFU‘s investment into the Rugby 365 artificial grass pitch programme, an increasing number of clubs across the country have now started to adopt it themselves.
Clubs benefitting from the new RFU scheme, include Aylesbury and National League side Preston Grasshoppers, while Rosslyn Park, whose pitch now in its second season, successfully hosted the London Floodlit 7s last year.
At the unveiling of the new SISTurf pitch at Preston, England head coach Eddie Jones said: “It’s been great to see the whole community come out in force and celebrate the launch.
“I hope to see clubs, schools and organisations all using and benefitting from this great facility.”
The success of synthetic turf also spreads to universities where Manchester, Durham and Loughborough use SISTurf. Schools are now looking closely at 3G.
SIS Pitches managing director Bryn Lee said: “Synthetic turf is becoming increasingly popular and accepted at sports venues, as more clubs and organisations see the benefits of using a surface so durable and of high-quality.
“Players get to train and play matches in improved and safe conditions, and there are very tangible benefits for owners too. More revenue is generated with the increased playing hours and maintenance costs per hour are lower compared to that of natural turf.”
No more excuses about bad weather – training starts at 7pm and 3G pitches are the fields of the future.
*“For more information please get in touch with SIS Pitches; www.sispitches.com or book a free site visit today: 01900 812796
