Saracens prepare artificial turf

Saracens have begun the laying of artificial turf at Allianz Park which will see them become the first professional rugby union club in the world to play entirely on the surface.

The club believe the pitch will promote a faster, safer and more entertaining game.

The first of the four metre-wide strips has now been laid, with both the tryline and the dead ball line permanently marked in the perfect surface.

Allianz Park will be officially opened on Saturday February 16, 2013, when Saracens play a Premiership match against Exeter Chiefs.