Glasgow Warriors to play new season on artificial grass

Glasgow Warriors will play all their home games on artificial grass from the 2016/17 season.

The Scotsoun Stadium's grass will be replaced by a synthetic playing surface after Glasgow were forced to play three matches away from their home turf last season.

Glasgow City councillors have approved the £750,000 investment works and the move follows on from Cardiff Blues, Saracens and Newcastle Falcons switching to artificial grass in recent seasons.

The existing pitch at Scotsoun has been badly affected by poor weather in recent years and the change is hoped to end the forced movement and postponement of fixtures as well as improve the athletics facilities at the ground.

Glasgow Warriors managing director, Nathan Bombrys, admitted the change was needed after another season that was disrupted by pitch trouble.

"After the challenges of last season, it's great that we're close to installing a pitch that will give us a consistently excellent surface all season, to play the exciting rugby that we like to play," said Bombrys.

"The development will benefit the athletics clubs that we share Scotstoun with us, by providing better facilities and more access.

"We believe the new artificial pitch could also open up opportunities to bring some additional rugby matches and events to Scotstoun, which will assist our efforts to grow our sport in the west of Scotland."

As part of the planned investment the existing 400m outdoor running track will be improved along with the stadium's drainage works. 

The proposed pitch will meet World Rugby guidelines as well as provide an International Association of Athletics Federation-compliant throws area for training and events.

The current window for the athletics club is June to August, but the new pitch will extend that to April to September. 

Work is due to begin later this month with completion expected before the start of the 2016/17 season.