Winter Sports - Rugby Union M J Abbotts’ Nathan George surveys the finished pitch


values relating to head injuries and energy absorption. An independent test laboratory had done all the necessary checks since installation to see that this had been met. Its all-weather credentials could not have been put more to the test as the headlines focus on flooding in this part of the Thames Valley. All of the objectives for the project have been met. It was quite an achievement to get all of the main pitches constructed ahead of winter. It means there is adequate time in the remaining months to get them up to the highest standard.


Tim Morse of Equals Consulting, which is managing the whole project for London Irish, said: “We have remained on programme since the word go and I’m confident the complex will be handed over to the club in the finest possible condition in June, as scheduled. Enormous credit must go to MJ Abbott and the specialists it has engaged for achieving this.” For the remainder of this season, London Irish continues to use its existing eleven acre Sunbury training set-up at ‘The Avenue’, which is set for residential redevelopment.


“I’m confident the complex will be handed over to the club in the finest possible condition in June”


However, the club, with its massive near 900 membership, is itching to move to the Hazelwood complex in June and kick off next season and a new era of rugby for itself.


The site does mean more than just top club rugby though. Both the England and Ireland international squads have looked at the marvellous facilities that are emerging there, and it is already earmarked as one of the training facilities for the 2015 Rugby World Cup.





 


 


 


    


      


      





     


   


  


   


  


   


   


FEBRUARY/MARCH 2014 PC 35


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