Cardiff Blues Want Artificial Turf At Arms Park, Need Approval From Welsh Rugby Union

Pro12 rugby side Cardiff Blues "are hopeful of having an artificial pitch in place" for the start of the '13-14 season, according to the BBC. Blues CEO Richard Holland confirmed that "the region are seeking permission from the Welsh Rugby Union to replace the Cardiff Arms Park turf." The poor quality of the Blues' pitch "has drawn criticism since the region's return to the stadium" in '12. The Blues "took part in the first professional rugby match to be played on Saracens' artificial pitch at Allianz Park in January this year, and the region's management were impressed with the surface." Holland said that "the region had spoken to suppliers about the installation of a plastic pitch" at a cost of around £400,000 ($614,000) (BBC, 5/12).