Rees-Zammit demands end to artificial rugby pitches

Rees-Zammit speaks out after painful injuries

The winger was left with extensive burns on his right leg following Bristol’s 30-7 loss at StoneX Stadium on Saturday. 

He posted an image of the damage online and called on rugby authorities to take action against synthetic playing surfaces.

“Can we please stop playing on these AstroTurf pitches! Someone do something about it!” he wrote.

(Image credit: Louis Rees-Zammit)

StoneX is one of three Premiership grounds with an artificial pitch, alongside the home venues of Gloucester and Newcastle.

Pat Lam says artificial pitches have contributed to injuries

The surface has already become a talking point among rival clubs, with Bristol director of rugby Pat Lam admitting it affected his plans for the match.

Lam chose not to risk Pedro Rubiolo, AJ MacGinty and Steven Luatua, all of whom had returned from serious injuries last season.

“They came off big injuries last season so it wasn't worth putting them on that pitch,” he explained, adding that all three would have been available had the match been played at home or been a semi-final.

Lam has previously criticised artificial turf, speaking out after Bristol’s away win over Newcastle in April.

“These pitches are hard – I'm not a big fan of them. We always take injuries on them and we've taken a few more,” he said at the time.

Newcastle replaced its surface at Kingston Park over the summer but kept the pitch fully artificial. Saracens have been contacted for comment on Rees-Zammit’s post.