IRB Select Turf Producers for ‘One Turf’ Programme

The International Rugby Board (IRB) have selected five turf producers, after a rigorous process, for the One Turf programme, initiated to ensure that elite and community level matches can be played on artificial surfaces.

Leading Turf specialists Limonta Sport (Italy), Greenfields B.V (Netherlands), Mondo S.P.A (Italy), FieldTurf Tarkett (USA) and SIS/TEAM (UK/Ireland/Australia) have been appointed to ensure the highest possible player welfare and performance standards are achieved, a statement issued by the IRB says.

The Turf specialists will oversee the production, installation and maintenance of artificial surfaces around the world to the Governing Body’s technical, performance and player welfare criteria.

This selection will benefit the game by providing a one-stop solution for organizations seeking to install artificial surfaces. For the first time the same producer will be able to produce, install and maintain IRB Regulation 22 compliant surfaces.

The programme also has the ability to boost rugby and multi-sport participation around the world, particularly in challenging growing conditions, with pitches yielding the possibility of use seven days a week.

IRB Head of Technical Services Steve Griffiths stated: “All the Preferred Turf Producers have demonstrated that they have the capability to manage the total process of Rugby turf installation from design through manufacture, installation and maintenance programmes.

“This selection provides our Member Unions, clubs and owners of facilities with an assurance that if they choose these manufacturers they will be getting the best quality of product and service in the Rugby turf market place,” he added.