The University of Birmingham already had some of the best facilities of any redbrick institution in the UK, but the artificial rugby pitch it commissioned Blakedown Sport & Play to construct was the icing on the cake.
The new-build, 120m x 70m Tiger Turf 3G rubber crumb infill synthetic pitch with a Regupol shockpad, guaranteeing maximum shock absorbency on impact, was the only system at the time approved by the RFU and IRB as achieving a critical fall height of over 2m in both wet and dry conditions.
Tiger Turf’s Rugby65 product is a sand and rubber dressed system with a low abrasive yarn type. It is ideal for the rigours of rugby as it has great impact absorption capabilities, while still providing excellent resistance so that players can sprint and swerve.
Blakedown also constructed perimeter fencing, floodlighting and access paths to complete the project.
We are finding our new pitch very useful for training in wet and dry conditions. It provides an excellent firm surface, helping us to train with greater intensity and speed. We are also grateful for not having to clean our boots any more!
Darsh Puri, first XV captain for the University of Birmingham, said: “We are finding our new pitch very useful for training in wet and dry conditions. It provides an excellent firm surface, helping us to train with greater intensity and speed. We are also grateful for not having to clean our boots any more!”
The new pitch, which provides an extra stream of income for the university, can be used throughout the winter, unlike the natural pitches, which are susceptible to flooding and mud.
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About the contract
Client: University of Birmingham
Funded by: University of Birmingham
Contract value: £540,000
Contract duration: 18 weeks
