Former Canterbury and Crusaders wing Johnny McNicholl isn't a fan of artificial pitches in UK rugby.

New Zealand rugby player Johnny McNicholl has called for artificial pitches to be banned after he and several team mates suffered burns, blisters and injuries on a plastic surface in Glasgow.

McNicholl, the former Canterbury and Crusaders wing, has been playing for Welsh outfit the Scarlets since late 2016.

Scarlets beat Glasgow 28-13 in the Guinness Pro14 semifinal but face a tough test to be ready for this weekend's final against Leinster in Dublin.

Many of the team are suffering from coming into contact with the artificial surface in Scotland.

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"I do not like playing on artificial pitches because you run a high risk of being injured," McNicholl, who played fullback in the semifinal, told The Guardian.

"I went down on the deck for the ball and got a massive grass burn on my backside. I have a dozen grazes and my feet are numb. I have been sticking to the sheets for the last few nights.

"I hope more of these pitches do not crop up because I would not want to play on them. Our physio's room has been packed this week and I was not the worst. I said to the trainer during the game that such a pitch should be made illegal. I much prefer grass."

McNicholl has a supporter in his Kiwi coach at the Scarlets, Wayne Pivac.

"No one was able to train yesterday [Monday] and many sat it out today, which was unfortunate," Pivac said as he counted the cost of victory.

"It is not anything that will stop them playing this weekend but it is not ideal. I am not a fan of these pitches."

Scotland captain John Barclay ruptured an Achilles' tendon in the match and will be out of action for six months.

It continues a sorry season on artificial pitches in the UK.

Wasps flanker Jack Willis, who had just been named in the England squad, ruptured ligaments in his right knee on Saracens' artificial pitch last weekend and will be sidelined for up to a year.

Last month Pau loose forward Steffon Armitage ruptured an Achilles' tendon playing on the Cardiff Blues' artificial pitch.

Glasgow and Cardiff both operate artificial surfaces in the Pro14. Saracens, Newcastle and Worcester have them in use in the England Premiership.

Gloucester's plans to join them have taken an adjustment. The club will now use a field that has a blend of grass and artificial grass fibres.