STIGA has showcased its latest professional and autonomous mowing equipment at Allianz Stadium, London, as part of its new role as Official Groundskeeping Partner of the Rugby Football Union (RFU).

The stadium's Daniel Hill and Ian Ayling with STIGA's Sam Fletcher

The demonstration gave the stadium’s grounds team the opportunity to trial a range of their machinery, including autonomous robotic mowers, the APX PRO system, battery-powered professional equipment and new electric tractors. The visit followed an England v Argentina international fixture, providing a live working environment for the evaluation of the equipment.

STIGA was recently appointed to a multi-year partnership with the RFU, covering both elite and grassroots rugby. The agreement is intended to support pitch maintenance across the RFU network, from Allianz Stadium and England Rugby training facilities through to community clubs supported by the Pitch Advisory Service.

The RFU’s grounds teams include full-time professionals at major venues, regional pitch advisors and a large number of volunteers working at club level. STIGA says its autonomous and battery-powered solutions are designed to help reduce workload while maintaining consistently high playing standards.

As part of the partnership, the manufacturer will provide access to its wireless robotic mowing technology and professional battery tools to support turf maintenance across the game.

James Gordon, managing director of STIGA UK, said the stadium visit was an important opportunity for the grounds team to assess the equipment first-hand. Jim Buttar, head of grounds and technical operations at the RFU, said the trials would help identify machinery suitable for both elite venues and grassroots clubs.