Bristol winger Louis Rees-Zammit has called for an end to artificial pitches in the Prem, following a match at Saracens' StoneX Stadium last Saturday. Rees-Zammit shared an image of friction burns to his right leg, stating: “Can we please stop playing on these AstroTurf pitches!! Someone do something about it!!”
Bristol's director of rugby, Pat Lam, also expressed concerns about the surface, revealing he chose not to play Pedro Rubiolo, AJ MacGinty, and Steven Luatua. Lam indicated these players were recovering from significant injuries and the artificial pitch was deemed too risky. Saracens installed the first artificial pitch in the Prem in 2013, with Newcastle and Gloucester following in 2014 and 2021 respectively.
While artificial pitches are argued to allow for greater use in various weather conditions, some players have previously spoken out against them. World Rugby permitted players to wear leggings and base layers in 2021 to help reduce the risk of burns.