The Waikato region is about to experience our first ever artificial turf playing surface. A project long in the making which will be a first for the region and is expected to kick start a new direction on how rugby could be delivered in the region.

The Hamilton Marist based project began digging dirt in February 2024 and come Saturday morning, the first games of rugby will take place in what will be a special occasion for not just Hamilton Marist, but rugby in the Waikato.

This new artificial turf is of 5G technology - technology that is approved by the world's biggest sporting organisations including FIFA, World Rugby and the AFL in Australia. The 5G technology is a blend of artificial turf with sand and cork to fill out the turf and help it stand on end. 

Blair Currie, President of Hamilton Marist, says the “cork added to the turf is the most like for like feel you will get. The cork will reduce the likelihood of burns and is more forgiving. The information we have is it is like playing on damp grass – not as hard as in the middle of summer, nor as soft like in the middle of winter”. It is recommended and planned that the ground will be serviced every 100 hours of use - just like mowing the lawns, the lawnmower is replaced by a machine that will brush the cork and sand in different directions to help ensure the turf continues to stand rather than start to fall flat.

This installation in the Waikato will begin to change the way in which rugby is delivered in the region. Along with the turf upgrade, LED lights will light up the playing surface to ensure matches can be played all around the clock. To top off the project, new terrace seating has been installed along the front of the clubrooms, the decking has been extended out front and a small embankment has been created to run around the outside of the new playing surface. 

Current Waikato Rugby Chairperson Di Hallifax added “The Board of Waikato Rugby congratulate Hamilton Marist on the development of their new state of art facility.  The new turf creates a playing surface that opens up a new opportunity for how the game of rugby can be delivered which is both efficient and sustainable”.

Furthermore, Sport Waikato CEO Matthew Cooper adds “We know that demand for quality playing fields has been increasing across the region. This is a result of general participation growth in recent years and a new variety of sport and recreational codes entering the market putting pressure on our sport field network. The regional community are asking for a new way of delivering consistent sports field surfaces (plus quality lighting) that can be played upon in any weather providing quality experiences and withstand some of the increased demand pressures. Hamilton Marist, stakeholders, and funding partners must be congratulated in delivering this innovative solution that will help meet the needs of our community and deliver a range of opportunities to be active.

A massive line-up of code is on the table Saturday with junior rugby kicking off the day at 9am, St Johns 1^st XV will host their home Central North Island fixture that is been live streamed by Bev’s Broadcasting and will be live on his Facebook page, before a Hamilton Marist Legends team hosts an Invitational side. A blessing of the field is expected mid afternoon before the Premier B & Premier sides from Hamilton Marist host Otorohanga starting at 3pm and 5pm respectively.

The Premier fixture features as a top of the table clash and rather fitting for the occasion, Hamilton Marist are unbeaten in 2024 while Otorohanga’s only blemish comes in the form of a draw last weekend vs Hautapu at home. Saturdays feature match at 5.00pm will sure be a spectacle for all fans of club rugby.

Article added: Thursday 23 May 2024