Scotland to play Tonga on artificial pitch

Scotland to play Tonga on artificial grass, the first top-tier rugby nation to play a Test on a non-natural surface.

Scotland will become the first top-tier rugby nation to host a match on an artificial pitch when it takes on Tonga during the November Tests.

Bernard Lapasset, chairman of the International Rugby Board, says it is an "exciting development" and backs the decision as "it can provide a consistent and low-maintenance alternative to natural pitches."

In a statement released by Scotland on Friday, Lapasset says playing internationals on artificial pitches will be "useful in parts of the world where growing and maintaining a high-quality grass surface is not straight forward."

The match will be played at Rugby Park, the home of Kilmarnock football club, on November 22.

The Scottish Rugby Union says the surface has passed IRB compliance and safety tests.


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