Louis Rees-Zammit calls for end to artificial Prem pitches after leg burns
The Bristol wing posted a photograph of injuries sustained at Saracens’ StoneX Stadium. Bristol’s Pat Lam said concerns about the surface affected his team selection.
Louis Rees-Zammit called for an end to artificial Premiership pitches on 13 October after posting a photograph of burns to his right leg sustained during Bristol’s 30–7 defeat at Saracens’ StoneX Stadium on 10 October. The Wales wing’s call has renewed attention on the surface used for the match.
Why Bristol left three players out at Saracens
Bristol director of rugby Pat Lam said he left Pedro Rubiolo, AJ MacGinty and Steven Luatua out because of concerns about playing them on the artificial surface after major injuries last season. He said they would have played at home or in a semi-final.
What Saracens says about the StoneX pitch
Saracens chief executive Ed Coetzee said the StoneX surface holds a World Rugby Regulation 22 certificate until 1 April 2028. He said the club had submitted the required documentation to Premiership Rugby, follows its maintenance programme and keeps the pitch under review.
World Rugby allowed players to wear leggings and base layers to reduce friction burns in 2021, according to The Guardian. The reported burns and selection concerns do not establish whether artificial pitches cause more injuries overall.
Sources and context
- Louis Rees-Zammit demands end to artificial Prem pitches after leg burns at SaracensThe Guardian
- Louis Rees-Zammit: Wales and Bristol wing calls for the end of use of artificial pitchesBBC Sport
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