Problem pitch is replaced

PONTYPRIDD RFC are taking the extraordinary step of ripping up their 3G pitch at Sardis Road and laying a new one, having lost patience with investigations into burn injuries sustained by players at the venue.

Work has already begun on installing a brand new artificial surface, with club officials concerned that fixtures at the start of the new season may be under threat.

As things stand, Ponty officials expect everything to be completed in time for a pre-season friendly against Clifton on August 19.

But a spokesman for the club told WalesOnline that they are still in the dark about the precise problem with the old pitch, with a statement confirming that it had passed all inspections.

It is also unclear how the new surface is being funded.

Problems with the Sardis Road pitch first came to light in March when Merthyr players put pictures of burn injuries on social media.

Investigations have since been carried out by South Wales Sports Grounds, the Welsh Rugby Union and World Rugby.

Ponty director Jack Bayliss said: “The situation over the past three months has been far from satisfactory. We have been denied the use of our pitch for long periods whilst testing and investigations went on, with which we fully complied, but without being able to push for a final decision.

“We have been unable to make any definitive statements whilst this process went on, with the situation being a volatile and a sensitive one with so many parties involved, up to the highest levels of world rugby.

“We can only apologise to our supporters, our shareholders and partners for the delay in reaching this decision, but which was out of our hands.”