In 2008 College Rifles made the bold decision to install two artificial turf rugby fields, becoming the first rugby club in the Southern Hemisphere to do so. The all-weather surface combined with extensive base work providing excellent drainage, has meant that members and the wider community have enjoyed up to 70 hours per week of field usage. 

Due to our responsible and diligent maintenance programme by August 2018 we will have enjoyed 10 years of uninterrupted usage. However, our fields have come to the end of their expected life and are due to be replaced in September 2018. Aside from the requirement to replace the existing turf, this is an exciting opportunity to rejuvenate our fields by upgrading to the latest technology in materials and design.

Starting at the beginning of September 2018 the existing turf will be lifted and removed for disposal. Over the course of October and November 2018 the new turf will be laid. After laser grading the existing base a porous rubber shock pad is laid over the surface. The new artificial turf is placed on top of this. Our current turf stood up to 20,000 cycles on the Lisport simulated wear machine. The new turf can withstand in excess of 150,000 cycles making it almost eight times more robust. A layer of sand is then put in place in the turf with a layer of virgin rubber added to the top of that. With the addition of the shock pad considerably less rubber is added and the rubber used is specifically produced to be used on artificial fields. The whole project is due for completion in December 2018. 

The total cost of resurfacing the two fields is $1.9 million (which includes the disposal of existing material). We are working in partnership with Auckland Council to partially fund the project. The balance of the funding comes from community trusts and foundations, sponsorship and fundraising. 

College Rifles is committed to providing the most successful and inspiring sports experience in New Zealand. We look forward to the support of our members and the wider community as we embark on this important project.

If you should wish to discuss any aspects of this, including sponsorship or fundraising, please don’t hesitate to contact College Rifles General Manager, Keith Ratcliff, keith@collegerifles.co.nz