University wants new rugby pitch despite ‘not being huge sport’ on Merseyside

The University of Liverpool is hoping to install a new rugby pitch on a historic sports ground despite it being ‘not a big sport on Merseyside’.

The higher education institution has applied to Liverpool Council to install an artificial turf rugby pitch at Wyncote Sports Ground on Mather Avenue. According to a design and access statement submitted to the local authority, the university reviewed its resources and requirements for tournament play and “identified this area of ​​the site as ideal for a new pitch.”

The report states: “The site was donated to the University of Liverpool for the leisure use of students in 1918 in memory of Geoffrey Hughes. The site includes several sports fields and training facilities, with the Grade I listed Sports Pavilion in the center of the site and the Cricket Pavilion to the north-east, near the proposed rugby pitch.

CONTINUE READING: Man still in hospital after accident with dead woman

“The buildings form part of the University of Liverpool’s sports complex known as the Geoffrey Hughes Athletics Ground.” Currently, the university’s rugby union and American football teams train at external facilities, which are said to involve “significant costs”. cause and adequate and reliable facilities “are essential for the sports teams and would enable the university to host tournaments and be able to also provide benefits to the local community teams.”

The report, prepared by Cunliffe’s property and building consultants, concluded: “The university is currently in need of a competitive rugby pitch for games and training. The grounds and location were identified as underutilized and would benefit the sports field and the future of college sports.”

A pitch sport development case annex accompanying the report said: “Although rugby is not a big sport on Merseyside, it is a big sport here at the university and there is only one other rugby-compliant 3G in Liverpool , which is heavily used by football and expensive to rent.”