STIGA & England Rugby Press Day...getting the Pitch Perfect

Francijn SuermondtOct 02, 2026in Rugby

A successful press day took place at Allianz Stadium on September 23rd, as STIGA teamed up with England Rugby to host trade and consumer press, alongside influencers, to celebrate the brand-new, revolutionary pitch and the latest chapter in their multi-year partnership.

And when we say pitch perfect, we mean it!

The partnership underlines STIGA’s commitment to supporting volunteers and grounds teams, helping create world-class playing surfaces at every level of the game...from grassroots rugby right through to the international stage. Because, as every rugby fan knows, you can have all the talent in the world, but it helps if the pitch behaves itself too!

The day provided a fantastic opportunity to hear directly from the RFU and STIGA teams, get behind the scenes of the new pitch and, of course, capture plenty of interviews and content.

Jim Buttar, RFU Head of Grounds and Technical Operations, and Alex Cohen, Stadium Development Director at Allianz Stadium, delivered excellent presentations covering both the reasons behind the new pitch and the technical detail involved in getting it laid and ready for action.

The STIGA team were also on hand to explain how the partnership with England Rugby is making a difference across the game. James Gordon, Managing Director of STIGA UK, and Sam Fletcher, Business Development Manager at STIGA UK, shared how STIGA’s robotic mowing machines are helping rugby clubs keep their pitches in top condition...while also supporting the people who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make match day possible.

They explained how the partnership is helping clubs and communities from the grassroots up, giving grounds teams and volunteers a little more time to concentrate on what really matters...rather than spending every waking hour chasing a mower around a pitch!

The day finished with a behind-the-scenes tour of Allianz Stadium, taking in the press areas, changing rooms and, finally, the star of the show...the brand-new pitch.

And what a pitch it was. Absolutely outstanding.

After all, at Allianz Stadium, the players might be responsible for the tackles, tries and turnovers...but STIGA is making sure the stage is set for the rugby community to put on their own show.

A great day, a great partnership, and one seriously impressive playing surface.

For more information on how rugby clubs can get involved with the partnership and sign up for benefits, please go to: www.stiga.com/uk/stiga-x-rfu

Article Tags:

Grassroots Rfu Robotic mowers Rugby Stiga