The new modified 3G pitch surface at Irish Independent Park has been laid by Tralee-based company PST Sport.

The new modified 3G pitch surface at Irish Independent Park has been laid by Tralee-based company PST Sport.

The bedding-in process of the new surface is now underway with two games to be played at the venue in the Kearys Renault Series 2018 this month.

The state-of-the-art pitch will allow for a significant increase in games played to assist in the province’s efforts of growing the game at grassroots level.

The opening two Munster games at the venue in the Kearys Renault Series 2018 take place in the coming weeks. Munster face London Irish on Friday, August 17, and Exeter Chiefs on Friday, August 24, with both games kicking off at 7.30pm in Irish Independent Park.

A Two-Match Pack costs just €25 for one adult and it costs just €50 for a Two-Match Family Pack (two adults and two juniors).

Buy tickets online here.

The significant development is an integral part of the province’s long-term strategy for the Cork area.

Irish Independent Park is already the focal point for rugby in the South Munster region and this upgrade will allow for further opportunities, benefiting the wider rugby community.

Funded in part by Munster’s own commercial revenue streams, including the Munster Rugby Annual London Dinner, and a Sports Capital Grant, the new artificial pitch will allow for a significant increase in games played and hosted events, on a consistent basis, assisting the province’s efforts of growing the game at grassroots level.

A new 3,500 seated stand and covered terrace were constructed at Irish Independent Park in 2015 to improve facilities for supporters and teams from across the province will now have access to a consistently world-class surface all season.

See FAQs and photos of the project below.

FAQs

Why did Munster Rugby change from a grass surface?

At present there is no suitable artificial surface for rugby in the south of the province. We currently host up to 54 games a season in Irish Independent Park, and in meeting the highest standards this investment in altering the pitch surface will allow us to cater for multiples of this year-on-year, directly benefitting the sport and wider community.

Why did Munster Rugby not install the artificial surface on one of the back pitches in Irish Independent Park?

Each of the back pitches are leased to a tenant club so are not available for use by Munster Rugby at present. In addition to this, the cost of upgrading these would be significantly higher than the main pitch.

What maintenance cost and upkeep is required?

The maintenance cost for the new surface is significantly lower than the current cost of maintaining the grass surface. The surface will be inspected on a bi-annual basis to ensure it meets World Rugby criteria.

Will the new pitch be used as a commercial offering?

Yes. We will be pursuing additional commercial opportunities for the facilities, and will review all possibilities.

What is the longevity of the surface?

PST Sports are installing an artificial sports turf that is so resilient it comes with a 12-year manufacturer’s warranty, based on 30 hours usage per week, over and above the industry standard eight-year period.

Will there be an increase in PRO14 games played at the venue?

At the moment we play four Guinness PRO14 games per season in Cork. If the province were to move a game from Thomond Park it would have significant financial implications due to capacity and commercial constraints. Irish Independent Park will host six Munster games this season – both Kearys Renault Series 2018 matches and four PRO14 games.

When will the first games be played on the new surface?

Munster play two games at Irish Independent Park this month in the Kearys Renault Series 2018. Munster v London Irish takes place on Friday, August 17, and Exeter Chiefs visit on Friday, August 24, with both games kicking off at 7.30pm. A Two-Match Pack costs just €25 for one adult and it costs just €50 for a Two-Match Family Pack (two adults and two juniors).

Will clubs and schools be able to avail of the facilities?

Irish Independent Park will continue to host domestic competitions at every level and Munster Rugby will now be in a position to commit to a greater number of games without being affected by the weather.

Will the tenant clubs, Dolphin RFC and Sundays Well RFC, have access to the new surface?

The relationship with the tenant clubs will continue in line with current practice.

Why is it referred to as a modified 3G surface?

Although a common term, 4G is not a pitch surface, and the modified 3G surface is the highest available spec. Working with PST Sports we have installed a world-class artificial surface.