Millennium Stadium is 'pitch perfect'
The shocking underfoot conditions that made matches at the Millennium Stadium an unpleasant experience may be something of the past.
The new hybrid pitch at the iconic Cardiff venue is expected to transform the playing surface, Welsh Rugby Union Chief Executive Roger Lewis said.
The WRU officially unveiled the new surface in time for Wales to take on Australia in the first of the year-end international matches this Saturday.
Roger Lewis was joined by double Grand Slam-winning Welsh international Mike Phillips and the Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism Ken Skates for the landmark unveiling of the new pitch.
The pitch installation, which intertwines grass turf with millions of artificial fibres, aims to strengthen the quality of the playing surface in line with the most advanced sports stadia in the world.
The £3.1-million venture have a Terraplas covering to protect the surface during non-pitch events such as rock concerts and motorsports.
The pitch will provide the stage for Wales' four year-end internationals – against Australia, Fiji (November 15), New Zealand (November 22) and South Africa (November 29) – 45 weeks before the eyes of the world watch World Cup 2015 host eight games at the Millennium Stadium.
Roger Lewis said: "The installation of this fantastic new pitch is undoubtedly one of the most important transformations we have instigated since the Stadium opened in 1999.
"International rugby played at the Millennium Stadium is watched by hundreds of millions of people on television around the world and we must ensure the action takes place on a surface which can help create the best possible exhibition of top class sport.
"The fans who attend matches will undoubtedly benefit from being able to watch games they know will flow at speed with players running across top quality turf.
"The need to remove the palletised pitch to host non-sporting events is now confined to history so we have retained true flexibility for the venue as a multi-event stadium.
"The durability of the hybrid surface opens up exciting possibilities for a range of rugby to be played at the Millennium Stadium. This will undoubtedly enhance our legacy to the nation as both top class and community events can flourish on the surface we have installed.
"I want to thank the Welsh Government for realising the potential in this project for Wales and supporting the WRU in the project so enthusiastically."
Phillips, the 87 times capped Wales scrumhalf, has also hailed the new hybrid pitch at the Millennium Stadium as a game-changer for Wales.
"The Millennium Stadium is the greatest international rugby stadium in the world and with the brand new hybrid pitch there can be no doubt that Wales have the very best playing environment to rival all the other rugby nations," said the British and Irish Lions, Wales and Racing Metro player.
