Rugby Field at Harvard University Receives Top Certification

The new Roberto A. Mignone Field, completed in Summer 2016 for the Harvard University men’s club and women’s varsity rugby teams, is only the fifth in the United States to comply with requirements of the World Rugby Regulation 22 Performance Specification.

“As the concern over player welfare grows, particularly in regards to concussions, it’s great to see fields in the USA being certified to World Rugby’s Regulation 22 Standard,” says Kieran O’Donnell, field operations manager for Sports Labs USA, which conducted surface testing at Harvard. “It is the only international standard that includes a head injury component along with the other testing requirements.”

Three of the five U.S. rugby pitches that meet the Regulation 22 Standard are FieldTurf fields: Roberto A. Mignone Field, Pine Banks in Massachusetts and CenturyLink Field in Washington.

Previously used for field hockey, Roberto A. Mignone Field was renovated specifically to accommodate rugby and attain the Regulation 22 standard. Prior to construction, FieldTurf created an exact replica sample of the surface, which contained infill from the existing field, and then shipped it to Lab Sports’ international headquarters in Scotland for approval.

FieldTurf’s XM6 surface features ridged-monofilament fiber technology and two-layer SBR rubber and silica sand infill. Goal posts, team areas and perimeter safety netting also were installed during the renovation at Harvard.

A World Rugby-approved field goes through rigorous testing in accordance with the organization’s “Artificial Rugby Turf Performance Specification.” Testing criteria includes visual inspection, performance tests and site/material identification testing.

Roberto A. Mignone Field’s certification is valid for two years and likely will retain the distinction if grounds crews perform consistent maintenance that includes brushing of fibers, decompaction and managing infill.

World Rugby Regulation 22 was introduced in 2003 to ensure that artificial surfaces replicate the playing qualities of premier quality natural grass.

FieldTurf, a World Rugby preferred producer, is the proud surface provider of premier rugby pitches worldwide, including Cardiff Arms Park, Charles-Mathon Stadium, Stade de Mayol, University of Notre Dame, Rutgers University and Washington State University.

Learn more on FieldTurf Rugby systems Here.