Siob wrote: What are the benefits of artificial? I thought it was mostly a solution to drainage problems or heavy use, the sportsground being on top of a hill and only used for rugby doesn't have major issues with either.

Consistent pitch every game of the season, no mud, no need for grass to grow, nullifies effect of weather (on pitch), suits our playing style....

What are the benefits of artificial? I thought it was mostly a solution to drainage problems or heavy use, the sportsground being on top of a hill and only used for rugby doesn't have major issues with either.

Murrayfield, Twickenham, the Aviva and the liberty in Swansea are both hybrid rather than artificial. I think there's a few hybrid in the SH too but they've different weather to compensate for.

Trevor wrote: Also, Dave Ellis mentions wanting an artificial surface for Connacht in this article:
www.nzrecreation.org.nz/index.php/news-e...st-news/673-news-125

He's talking about for training though. That's well needed alright (for club games too), but I think the IRFU have committed to providing one or two of those in the province.

The talk of artificial pitches made me do a little research on my perception of the higher injury rates on that surface. Seems the jury is still out and much more research needs to be done so i'd like to see a grass pitch until there is a consensus. There is an in depth report on injury in the Aviva Premiership from 2013/14 if anyone is interested and it mentions artificial turf on p15.

www.englandrugby.com/mm/Document/General...013_2014_Neutral.pdf

Also, Dave Ellis mentions wanting an artificial surface for Connacht in this article:

www.nzrecreation.org.nz/index.php/news-e...st-news/673-news-125

Cardiff's pitch was compared to a cheese grater the first year, the players would probably prefer not getting skinned with any slide on the ground.

my own narrow minded opinion. I would so hate to have an artificial pitch in galway. its just a feeling. nothing else. we can play in the muck as much as in the sun. its our heritage.

I'm sure it could be as big as you could afford. I'm sure it's very expensive so the less the cheaper. In goal areas tend to be very short too along with the outside of the touch line.

Are artificial pitches narrower than regular pitches? Surely that's up to each club?

Siob wrote: How much of the 'bad record' on artificial pitches is down to home advantage, coupled with the perception of Connacht as a weak team? 50/50 calls tend to go to the home or perceived stronger team. Saracens were a much stronger team going into that match, and the match against Newcastle was so deep into the injury crisis there were only 22 players fit from the European squad.

Edinburgh proved pitch width for how we play helps. So maybe that's a good start?

How much of the 'bad record' on artificial pitches is down to home advantage, coupled with the perception of Connacht as a weak team? 50/50 calls tend to go to the home or perceived stronger team. Saracens were a much stronger team going into that match, and the match against Newcastle was so deep into the injury crisis there were only 22 players fit from the European squad.

dont understand that opinion. so our history on artificial pitches is poor. all indicators suggest the wider the pitch the better. allows the free flowing rugby we play? so surely that would be where we start?

Would love if we got it whenever we start developing or building. Will suit you gys too. It's definitely the way forward for our climate and the time of year we play.

FACECUTTR wrote: Is it artificial or real grass kermis ?

Sorry, just seen this. Artificial I believe.

I'd have thought artificial pitches would play to your strengths- nice, fast game etc?

salmson wrote: Pre-season update - Connacht play Montpellier in Saint Affrique on Monday 11 August.
www.europe1.fr/sport/rugby-decouvrez-le-...ches-amicaux-2793547
Time not yet confirmed.

11th isn't a Monday though.
I wonder do they mean Monday 8th or Thursday 11th? I would guess the latter as Bayonne are also down to play that day and they're playing the previous Friday.

Pre-season update - Connacht play Montpellier in Saint Affrique on Monday 11 August.

www.europe1.fr/sport/rugby-decouvrez-le-...ches-amicaux-2793547

Time not yet confirmed.

pinky wrote:
Were there not 3 in Cardiff? I seem to remember the famous Claudio Blessano episode three seasons ago was on the new surface (I have vague memories of Matt Healy surfing in under the posts with a massive bow wave before it all went pear-shaped, but I could be conflating separate heartbreaks).

No, you're right, Cardiff pitch is three years old, so 3 losses from 3 in Cardiff and 5 from 5 overall.