Saracens - Rugby Union
FEATURE
plans to redevelop what was a derelict stadium into a modern facility. Once it gained approval, some years later, there was no going back. Allianz, the German backers of the stadium used by both Munich football teams) stumped up naming rights, and what we have today is a state-of-the-art facility for not lost on the players. Fly-half, and British and Irish Lion, Owen Farrell, explains: “We are a team that are used to pitching up anywhere, so no matter where we go, we always pride ourselves on turning up and
so the first game against Exeter we were all blowing a bit in the first 20 minutes, but once you get used to the pace of it it’s awesome
performing. There has always been a lot of away wins but it’s brilliant to have a place called home now.” It is a sentiment echoed by England
has had a bad word to say about it and from our point of view we now have a proper home. From a spectator point of view its right up there with the best in the league and Europe in terms of the experience it can give the fans – they’ve got everything they need. And the pitch as well, it’s so innovative.” Yes, that pitch. Many an eyebrow
was raised when the club announced that the pitch would be a synthetic rubber crumb surface, not natural grass. The idea that rugby should be played on grass, not rubber, was repeated, and that injuries may be an issue due to the surface. The truth, however, is a vastly different one. “It’s brilliant. It’s quicker, so the
but once you get used to the pace of it it’s awesome.” Says Fraser, and he goes on: “It allows for some more of a home advantage, which is nice. There have been a lot of questions asked about it but the games we’ve played have proved those doubts wrong. It’s well worth doing and I think you’ll probably see more of them in the future.” For the players, they can’t talk
highly enough about their new surroundings. The pitch alone is
www.activinstinct.com 41 It’s brilliant. It’s quicker,
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