GLASGOW WARRIORS GIVEN ARTIFICIAL PERMISSION
Green light for new pitch at Scotstoun Stadium
Scottish rugby union club Glasgow Warriors has been given permission to install an artificial pitch at its Scotstoun Stadium after being forced to play matches elsewhere last season.
The Pro12 team saw its field badly affected during last winter’s heavy rainfall and had to play three matches away from Scotstoun, while a fourth match was postponed. The wet weather last winter damaged the pitch, preventing Glasgow Warriors from hosting matches (pic Sports Management)
They sampled a 4G surface when they switched to Kilmarnock's Rugby Park for three of the closing matches of the campaign. Head coach Gregor Townsend told STV News it's an expensive option but one that will pay off in the long run. "They're not the only option, you see the very top pitches that international rugby is played on," he said. "Murrayfield, Twickenham, they have what's called a hybrid which is very expensive. "If they're looked after well they can be great surfaces.
"This is expensive too and I have to say thanks to the partners involved here, Glasgow City Council, sportscotland and Scottish Rugby [Union] have made this happen.
"We know the investment and we have to make the most of it. I do see in the next five to 10 years more clubs investing in artificial surfaces and it should make a better product for our supporters."
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