Louis Rees-Zammit has called for an end to artificial pitches in top-flight rugby after emerging from the Bristol Bears’ defeat to Saracens with a heavily scarred right leg.
The Wales star took to social media after Saturday’s 30-7 loss at StoneX Stadium, posting a picture of his injured leg alongside a furious plea for action.
“Can we please stop playing on these Astroturf pitches!! Someone do something about it!!” Rees-Zammit wrote on his Instagram stories.
Saracens are one of three Premiership clubs, alongside Gloucester and Newcastle, that play on artificial surfaces. The condition of the StoneX Stadium pitch has come under scrutiny this season.
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Bristol director of rugby Pat Lam also raised concerns about the surface, revealing that three key players were left out of the trip to north London because of the potential risks. Pedro Rubiolo, AJ MacGinty and Steven Luatua were rested, with Lam explaining that their injury histories influenced the decision.
“They came off big injuries last season so it wasn’t worth putting them on that pitch,” Lam said. “If we were playing the game at home or if it was a semi-final, they would have played.”
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Saracens CEO Ed Coetzee has defended the playing surface, insisting it meets the necessary certification, maintenance and safety requirements.
“The surface holds a valid World Rugby Regulation 22 certificate until 1 April 2028,” Coetzee said. “Our maintenance programme is followed to the letter. We take pitch condition and player welfare seriously, and we keep the surface under constant review.
Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images
The post LRZ blasts 4G surfaces appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Louis Rees-Zammit has called for an end to artificial pitches in top-flight rugby after emerging from the Bristol Bears’ defeat to Saracens with a heavily scarred right leg.
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