Over the weekend of 23rd February to 25th February, the brand new artificial grass pitch (AGP) at Leicester Forest opens with a packed schedule of both fun and competitive matches, clinics and training sessions.

The pitch was officially opened by Leicestershire Rugby Union President, Pauline Harding, with the presentation of a glass vase to club Chairman David Stockhill, along with Noel Devonport, MJ Chair.

Events included:

Disability Rugby (Leicester Tigers Community)
‘Old Farts’ Touch Rugby
u14 Triangular (Leicester Forest v Ashby v Loughborough)
u15/u18 girls & ladies kicking masterclass
Colts rugby (Leicester Forest v Oadby Wyggs RFC)
Vets rugby (Leicester Forest v Oadby Wyggs RFC)
Micros to U12s training & matches against various local clubs
Girls rugby (U13s Vixens)
U13s boys
Girls rugby

The club was also awarded their RFU accreditation plaque by Pauline Harding.

The pitch is part of the RFU’s Rugby World Cup 2015 legacy of delivering over 50 million pound investment over four years into the development of 100 AGPs across England. The new facility will provide the Local Rugby Partnership, comprising of clubs, schools, universities and Leicestershire Rugby Union, the chance to benefit from a consistently high quality surface all year round. With a number of partners accessing the AGP, this will improve the playing experience; grow more diverse, accessible as well as flexible playing opportunities for all players wishing to play our wonderful game.

For more information about how to book the pitch and the do’s and don’ts for playing on it, click here

Our thanks go to Ian Palfreyman for the photographs.