Dai Young’s team have already had a taste of their new surface in training and they can’t wait to get back into action in the Guinness PRO14 after their big win over the Scarlets last weekend.
They haven’t been able to play at the Arms Park since 23 February last year, when they beat Benetton Rugby 34-24, because the ground was taken over to play a supporting role to the Dragon’s Heart Hospital at Principality Stadium during the first COVID-19 lockdown.
During that time the artificial surface was damaged and it was agreed a new pitch was required. Work began at the end of 2020, while the Blues trained at Pentwyn Leisure Centre and played home games at Rodney Parade and Cardiff City Stadium, and the same company that installed the original 3G pitch, Tony Patterson Sportsgrounds, was awarded the contract.
The new FieldTurf UK RGF dual fibre system has now been completed and the pitch has passed World Rugby Regulation 22 performance testing. That has allowed the players to return to train at their spiritual home.
“We were very proud to play a small part in supporting the Dragon’s Heart Hospital and the fight against Covid-19 in our community and remain enormously grateful to Cardiff and Vale University Health Board,” said Jamie Muir, Cardiff Blues stadium manager.
“SportsLabs and Tony Patterson’s Sportsgrounds have done a brilliant job in difficult conditions and have delivered a top quality surface, which has passed all World Rugby tests and is now fully certified.
“The first team squad are already back training at the Arms Park and we cannot wait to welcome crowds back to enjoy top class rugby at our iconic home and to continue as a community hub.”
