Cardiff Blues consider installing artificial pitch
Cardiff Blues are examining the possibility of ripping up the turf at the Arms Park and replacing it with an artificial pitch for next season.
The Welsh region was impressed by Saracens' new £500,000 playing surface when they helped debut it in an LV= Cup game at Allianz Park in January.
That was the first professional union match played on an artificial pitch.
"We are looking at options for next season on improving the surface of the pitch," a Blues spokesperson confirmed.
"We're looking at a number of different surfaces that are available, whether that is new grass or whether it's synthetic, or whether it's a mixture of both with a synthetic weave.
"At the moment we're still exploring the possibilities and looking at the costs associated with each type of surface."
Such artificial 4G playing surfaces cost only £18,000 per year to maintain, compared to around £85,000 for the upkeep of a grass pitch, but have to be replaced every eight years.
However, they are far less susceptible to adverse weather conditions - which have beset many sports teams this winter with heavy rain and snow - and can provide players with a surer footing, although there have been some studies that suggest there may be a greater strain put on players' joints.