More work involved as the Sardis pitch issue goes on

PONTYPRIDD’S artificial rugby pitch at Sardis Road underwent preliminary work yesterday with the Principality Premiership club vowing to reach a resolution to how seven Merthyr players received severe burns after a WRU National Cup semi-final clash with RGC 1404 in March.

Former Newport Gwent Dragons and Gloucester utility back Martyn Thomas damaged his knees while centre Gavin Dacey had a swollen arm with both players needing antibiotics to lessen the risk of infection from the horrendous wounds.

Thomas was the first to reveal the damage caused during the 24-20 semi-final loss to the north Walians, putting a picture of his bloodied knees up on social media.

More pictures were then posted showing the full extent of the injuries picked up by Gary Powell, Rhys Downes, Nathan Trevett, Dacey and Tom Daley.

The injuries sparked a high-level investigation, involving the WRU, South Wales Sports Grounds, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and Pontypridd RFC, into the surface at Sardis Road.

While the probe was carried out, the WRU moved the first day of their Under-18 International Series involving England, Canada, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales from Pontypridd to Taffs Well and the Arms Park.

And on the Pontypridd RFC website, a statement was posted saying survey work on the artificial pitch at Sardis Road was being carried out on Monday this week.

The statement read: “The issue of the 3G playing surface at Sardis Road is still very much on the agenda, with various parties involved in detailed and often complex discussions to reach a resolution.

“Representatives of the pitch contractors, South Wales Sports Grounds Ltd, will be in attendance at the ground on Monday 10 July, to carry out preliminary survey work as negotiations reach an advanced stage.

“The aim of Pontypridd RFC throughout an extremely difficult period has been to confirm its pitch as fit for purpose, to play top class competitive rugby when the new Premiership season gets underway.

“Every conceivable effort is being made to achieve that aim.”