Sharks lock Stephan Lewies: Most rugby players don’t like artificial pitches
The one-Test Springbok said players even joke that there should be an age limit for synthetic surfaces.
Sharks lock Stephan Lewies has joined the chorus of rugby players opposing artificial pitches, stating that most players are not fans of synthetic surfaces and would prefer to play on grass if given the choice. The New Zealand forward made his comments following a close win over Lyon on an artificial pitch at Stade de Gerland during the Challenge Cup, and the team is set to face Cardiff on another synthetic surface at Arms Park in the United Rugby Championship on Friday night.
Concerns have been raised about turf burns and the perception that artificial pitches may lead to more injuries due to their grip and the way they affect players' movements during tackles, changes of direction, and scrums. Recent injuries at StoneX Stadium, where several players were left out of a match against Saracens due to welfare concerns, have added weight to Lewies' stance.
At 34 years old, Lewies has spent seven years playing in Europe, including with Harlequins, and has experienced playing on various surfaces. He is aligned with the general sentiment among players in Europe who prefer grass pitches. Lewies emphasized that the older a player gets, the more difficult it becomes to play on artificial surfaces.
While acknowledging that maintaining artificial pitches is cost-effective in certain parts of Europe with extreme weather conditions, Lewies reiterates his preference for grass pitches in the professional game.
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