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At Synthetic Turf Management (STM), we are specialists in artificial grass 3G rugby pitch construction, providing professional synthetic turf pitches for schools, sports clubs, universities, and professional rugby facilities across the UK. With over 20 years of experience, STM delivers tailored solutions that meeting World Rugby Regulation 22 and for Rugby League standards, ensuring optimal safety, durability, and performance.
Whether you need a 3G rugby pitch for all-weather play, want to upgrade an existing pitch,STM offers cutting-edge designs and seamless construction. Our expertise is trusted by high-profile clients, including Twickenham Stadium technical areas and Wigan FC catering for Professional Football and the Rugby League —a project that demonstrates our ability to deliver pitches for the most demanding environments. Read more in our Twickenham Stadium case study.
STM is a trusted name in rugby pitch construction, with a proven track record of delivering outstanding results across the UK. Here’s why clients consistently choose us:
20+ Years of Experience: We’ve built rugby pitches for schools, grassroots clubs, universities, and elite facilities like Twickenham Stadium.
Specialists in Synthetic Turf: Our 3G artificial grass combines durability, safety, and consistent performance, ensuring year-round usability.
Customised Solutions: Every pitch we build is tailored to your specific needs, with options for floodlighting, fencing, shock pads, and more.
Compliance with Standards: All pitches are built to RFU and World Rugby Regulation 22 specifications, ensuring the highest levels of safety and performance.
Full-Service Offering: From design and construction to maintenance, STM provides an end-to-end solution.
When you choose STM, you’re guaranteed a professional rugby pitch that enhances gameplay, prioritises safety, and delivers long-term value.
3G rugby pitch design is about more than just laying artificial grass for your sports surface—it’s a comprehensive process that ensures the pitch meets the demands of rugby while providing a safe and versatile playing surface. STM carefully plans every element of your pitch to ensure it meets World Rugby standards and suits your facility’s needs.
Synthetic Turf Surface: 3G turf replicates natural grass, providing consistent grip, ball roll, and durability.
Shock Pads: Beneath the turf, a shock-absorbing layer improves player safety by reducing impact and meeting fall height standards.
Sand and Rubber Infill: This combination provides cushioning and stability underfoot, ideal for high-impact sports like rugby.
Advanced Drainage: A reliable drainage system ensures the pitch stays playable in all weather conditions.
Additional Features: Optional extras like fencing, floodlighting, and bespoke line markings can enhance your pitch.
STM’s bespoke designs ensure your 3G rugby pitch offers professional-level performance, safety, and durability while being adaptable for multi-sport use if required.
Artificial grass rugby pitches offer numerous advantages over natural grass, making them the preferred choice for modern rugby facilities. STM’s synthetic turf rugby pitches are designed to meet the demands of high-intensity gameplay while providing a durable, low-maintenance, and environmentally friendly alternative.
All-Weather Playability: Synthetic turf resists waterlogging, ensuring year-round usability regardless of weather conditions.
Low Maintenance: Unlike natural grass, artificial turf doesn’t require mowing, watering, or reseeding, saving time and costs.
Durability: Designed for heavy use, artificial grass pitches maintain their quality and performance over time.
Player Safety: With shock-absorbing properties and excellent grip, synthetic turf minimises injury risks.
Versatility: A 3G rugby pitch can also support other sports, including football, American football, and athletics.
STM works with industry-leading suppliers to provide artificial rugby pitches that replicate the feel of natural grass while offering consistent performance and reduced upkeep.
Synthetic Turf Management offer Rugby 350 and 360 which is an innovative,3G third generation product that consists of two unique profiled fibres. The 60mm surface has a pile density suited to the rigorous demands of Rugby training and professional fixtures as well as competitive football.
STM supply products that are tested to ensure player safety and performance standards in mind, Rugby 360 is suitable for minis and juniors right through to senior-level sport.
In the sports industry, 4G rugby pitches and 5G rugby pitches are often mentioned, but it’s important to understand that neither is officially recognised yet.
4G Rugby Pitches: These are synthetic turf systems that eliminate the need for rubber crumb infill. While some manufacturers market these systems as a step beyond 3G, they are not yet widely approved for professional rugby use.
5G Rugby Pitches: This term is largely a marketing concept, referring to the latest advancements in artificial turf technology. However, no governing body, including World Rugby, officially recognises 5G pitches at this time.
While 3G rugby pitches remain the industry standard, STM stays ahead of the curve, ready to deliver innovative solutions as turf technology evolves.
The cost of building a 3G rugby pitch varies depending on several factors, including:
Pitch Size: A full-sized rugby pitch can be between 106m - 144m in length and 68m - 70m width ( including run-off areas) is more expensive than smaller training facilities.
Site Conditions: Additional groundwork, such as levelling or installing drainage, may increase costs.
Turf Type: While 3G surfaces are the standard, the development of organic infill materials such as cork can significantly increase costs.
Optional Features : Extras like fencing, floodlighting, or custom line markings can add to the total price.
Typical Costs
A full-sized 3G rugby pitch typically costs in the region of £800,000 - £1,000,000 in the UK. Smaller facilities or multi-sport pitches may cost less, depending on their design and complexity. STM provides free consultations and tailored quotes, ensuring your rugby pitch is built within budget while maximising its value.
We are absolutely delighted with the MUGA that we have had constructed by STM. The whole process was easy and staff were readily available to support us in what we were hoping to achieve. They also gave good advice about planning permission and Sport England's requirements.
– Mrs Alison Gargan
At STM, the process for 3G rugby pitch construction is designed to ensure efficiency, quality, and a seamless experience for our clients.
We begin with an initial consultation to understand your goals, budget, and requirements. Following this, a site survey is conducted to assess ground conditions, drainage needs, and overall feasibility. The design phase involves creating a bespoke pitch layout that includes synthetic turf type, shock pads, and optional features like fencing or floodlighting.
During construction, our team prepares the ground by levelling the site, installing drainage systems, and laying a durable sub-base. Once the base is ready, the synthetic turf is carefully installed and finished with line markings and any additional features. Throughout the project, our experienced project managers ensure everything is delivered on time and to the highest standard.
After completion, STM provides maintenance advice and optional ongoing support to keep your pitch in top condition for years to come.
Regular maintenance is essential for ensuring your 3G rugby pitch remains safe, playable, and high-performing. STM offers a range of maintenance services, including:
Cleaning and Brushing: Removes debris and keeps the synthetic fibres upright for consistent performance.
Infill Replacement: Replenishes rubber crumb or sand to maintain cushioning and stability.
Drainage Inspections: Ensures the system remains effective and prevents waterlogging.
Minor Repairs: Fixes any wear or damage to prolong the pitch’s lifespan.
With proper care, an STM-installed rugby pitch can provide top-quality performance for over a decade.
How much does a 3G rugby pitch cost?
Costs typically range from £800,000 to £1,000,000 for a full-sized pitch, depending on factors like site conditions, turf type, and optional features.
What’s the difference between 3G, 4G, and 5G pitches?
3G pitches use sand and rubber crumb infill and are ideal for rugby.
4G pitches eliminate the need for infill but are not yet widely approved for rugby.
5G pitches are a marketing term, with no official standard or recognition.
How long does it take to build a 3G rugby pitch?
Construction typically takes 10–14 weeks, depending on the site and project complexity.
Can a 3G pitch be used for other sports?
Yes, 3G pitches are versatile and can also accommodate sports like football, American football and lacrosse
Ready to build a professional 3G rugby pitch? Contact Synthetic Turf Management (STM) today for a free consultation and tailored quote. With over 20 years of experience and high-profile projects like Twickenham Stadium, STM delivers world-class rugby pitches designed to meet the highest standards for safety, performance, and durability.
Start your project today by contacting us or using our Pitch Builder Tool to design your ideal rugby pitch!
