Louis Rees-Zammit has launched a fierce attack on Saracens' artificial pitch, claiming player welfare is "just non-existent" on the surface and demanding the issue be dealt with as soon as possible. The Wales international was left with painful grazes and scars on his legs after Bristol Bears' clash with Saracens, prompting him to speak out on Instagram and call for action over the use of artificial surfaces in professional rugby.
Podcast criticism intensifies
Now, speaking on his new podcast, The SideStep, alongside England and Harlequins fly-half Marcus Smith, Rees-Zammit has doubled down on his criticism, claiming even Saracens players dislike playing on the surface.
"Player welfare is just non-existent on that pitch, I'm telling you. Even Saracens players hate that pitch. I completely agree with doing community events and all of that stuff, I think it's unbelievable what we can do with grassroots. But, ultimately, player welfare and protecting us as players... even kids. The amount of messages I got from kids sending me photos of grazes on their legs, exactly what I had, it was thousands and they are saying 'this is what happened to me on an astro pitch'."
Surface compared to concrete
Smith backed his fellow international's concerns, pointing to the lack of give in the surface. "For me, that's [potential injuries] the biggest issue. There's no real give in it. It's like concrete."
Rees-Zammit went on to argue that the frequency with which the surface is used contributes to the problem, while calling on the club to invest in a replacement. "It is literally concrete because they have people playing on it every day. Now I'm left with scars on my legs. It's not something I want, or anyone wants. If your own club's players are saying this is horrible... just pay a little bit for new turf. It needs to be dealt with ASAP."
Smith calls for ban
Smith went further still, suggesting artificial pitches should not be permitted in the professional game. "I think it shouldn't be allowed in the professional game, in my opinion."
