Taranaki slow to adopt to all weather pitches
Rugby needs to be a proactive to keep up with the pace of change in society. Nowadays, the simplicity of what was once accepted has been replaced by the demands of a generation who can find plenty of alternative entertainment if they are not happy in the rugby environment, or the environment does not cater for their needs.
One aspect that needs to be considered in Taranaki is the introduction of all-weather turf pitches if the sport is to grow and stay as the one of choice for youngsters and teenagers, and encourages adult participation.
Already these surfaces are being used in many parts of the world even to the extent that premiership clubs in England have them installed. More important locally though, is providing fields that are not closed down when it rains, either for games or trainings and can be used continuously during the week.
Information provided by searching online suggest that the annual hours of usage for games and training on a soil field is around 240 while the new sand based soil field, which sits on a fibre mat, can cope with 720 hours. Compare those two options with an artificial field that can handle more than 2400 hours.
These hours would provide all sorts of opportunities. Games wouldn’t have to be played on a Saturday, tournaments could be almost guaranteed, and players at all levels would be provided with a surface that promotes the advancement of better skills and a lot more enjoyment.
Yarrow Stadium’s No 2 field would be a good starting point which could cater for rugby, Sport Taranaki and local school needs. In fact, the New Plymouth District Council could look further ahead and develop the whole complex as a small community with a coffee shop and cafeteria, a boutique bar, a fitness clinic and a high performance training unit for many sports.
The Hub in Hawera is well suited to the introduction of a synthetic pitch which would provide for South Taranaki, with plenty of space and good facilities already available.
Even the TET Stadium in Inglewood would benefit from having an artificial surface, if not at the main venue then next door to replace one of the soil fields.
As well the new complex at Waitara would better provide for many sports and the schools if a turf was developed at Clifton Park. I can just see all those talented kids now side stepping and swerving their way to tries and playing with huge smiles.
Places such as Stratford, Okato and Opunake with their secondary schools could also consider the possibilities.
Hockey has now had artificial surfaces for a number of years and observing the enjoyment of players on a surface that promotes the game as one of skill and pace while knowing that there is little chance of a cancellations and not necessarily having the weekend eaten in to, has made this a more popular choice for many.
Now is the time for the councils and rugby to climb aboard the fast changing face of sport.
Having recently been to Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin to watch the British and Irish Lions play against the Highlanders, it was obvious that the hybrid surface helped provide for a great game of rugby, and of course the roof kept everyone dry.
Now there’s a thought – a roof over Yarrow Stadium.