Months of hot, dry weather have left sports pitches in a dangerous state, prompting the Rugby Football Union (RFU) to delay the start of the community rugby season. The season, originally set to begin on 5 September, will now commence on 21 September.
Football and cricket clubs across Wiltshire are also expressing concerns that the hard ground could increase the risk of player injuries. Andrew Briggs, Head of Operations at Central Swindon North Parish Council, noted the impact of the lack of rainfall on pitches, stating that player safety is paramount.
Clare Avenell, lead sports therapist for Chippenham Rugby club, warned that hard ground can cause injuries such as shin splints, tendon problems, stress fractures, bone bruising, and bursa problems. The dry conditions have also hindered pre-season training, particularly contact practice, leaving some teams unprepared for full games.
England Football has issued guidance advising match officials to perform early and thorough pitch inspections. Reasons to call off or abandon a game include excessively hard surfaces, cracks in the ground, or poor conditions in high-use areas like goalmouths.
The delay in the rugby season also poses a financial challenge for clubs, impacting revenue from commercial activities and potentially leading to players drifting away from the sport, according to Chris Elias, chair of Royal Wootton Bassett RFC. While the cricket season is ongoing, groundsman Richard Mosdell of Allington Cricket Club highlighted the dangers of dry outfields, despite clubs being allowed to water the central square.