Derby RFC — A New Era on a Modern Rugby Pitch

Polytan’s sustainable synthetic turf delivers reliable performance at Haslams Lane

Derby Rugby Football Club, founded in 1891/92, has long been a cornerstone of the city’s sporting life. Based at Haslams Lane since 2002, the club brings together senior and junior teams, women’s rugby, mixed-ability groups and a thriving community of players and supporters. Its historic grounds, however, lie on a floodplain, and this geography has repeatedly tested the resilience of its facilities. The previous artificial rugby pitch, installed in 2018, was often unusable for long stretches after heavy rainfall and flooding disrupted training schedules and cancelling matches.

In 2024, Derby RFC took a decisive step forward with the installation of a new Polytan artificial rugby field designed to withstand the site’s environmental challenges and raise the standard of play. At the heart of the project is Polytan’s LigaTurf Cross GT zero, a CO₂-neutral synthetic turf system developed especially for rugby and other high-impact sports. Its advanced fibre technology combines textured and smooth filaments, ensuring the surface can cope with scrummaging, tackling and intensive footwork while still offering a natural ball roll and reliable grip. An important feature of this installation is the secondary yarn, which helps to lock the organic infill in place even under heavy rainfall, reducing the risk of material wash-out and preventing migration into nearby waterways. For players, this translates into consistent and reliable playing conditions across the entire field, even during periods of heavy use or challenging weather.

Beneath the turf lies the PolyBase GT elastic layer, a high-performance in-situ shockpad made from recycled materials. Designed to absorb impact energy and reduce joint stress, it provides important protection in contact situations, while also helping the field maintain its structural stability during periods of heavy rainfall. This added resilience supports long-term surface performance and extends the lifespan of the turf above. Completing the system is BrockFILL, an organic infill derived from wood. Unlike conventional microplastic infills, BrockFILL is environmentally friendly, resists compaction and helps regulate surface temperatures in hot weather. For a club with as many youth players as Derby RFC, this combination of player protection and ecological responsibility represents a major step forward in sustainable sports field design.

Although flooding remains an occasional challenge at Haslams Lane, the new synthetic rugby pitch in Derby has already shown its strength by greatly reducing downtime after heavy rain. In the past, prolonged waterlogging could render the old field unusable for extended stretches. By contrast, the Polytan system allows water to drain efficiently so that the surface can return to play far more quickly. The consistent traction of the LigaTurf Cross GT zero fibres ensures secure footing even in damp conditions, while the PolyBase GT shockpad cushions every impact, reducing fatigue and supporting player safety throughout the season.

For Derby RFC, the new Polytan sports surface is more than a technical upgrade — it is an investment in the future. It has transformed the reliability of their facilities, giving players of all ages and abilities a professional-quality artificial rugby field that reflects the traditions of the club while embracing the latest technology in synthetic turf. With LigaTurf Cross GT zero, PolyBase GT and BrockFILL beneath their feet, Derby’s rugby community now enjoys a pitch that meets the demands of today while preparing for tomorrow.

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