News

Falcons consider artificial turf

May 21 2008

Newcastle Falcons could become the first Guinness Premiership team to play on an artificial pitch in the 2009/10 season, if club owner Dave Thompson gets his way.

Thompson told the Daily Telegraph that his intention was to install the pitch over the close season in 2009, and that he is just waiting for backing from the RFU.

Newcastle currently share facilities with both Newcastle Blue Star soccer club, and Gosforth rugby club. The Falcons share training facilities with the latter, where an artificial surface has already been installed.

"I had hoped to do it this September, but it is taking time to gain official approval. It has been approved by the International Rugby Board and now needs Rugby Football Union backing next month," he said.

The cost of the pitch is an estimated £500,000 ($975,000), and would enable the Kingston Park grounds to become more flexible and able to cope with a seven-day strain.