Kestrel's Sports Hub Facilities tries and converts Women’s Rugby World Cup

An impressive Kestrel Contractors project has been in the spotlight of late as the Women's Rugby World Cup took place at the recently opened Surrey Sports Park at the University of Surrey in Guildford. The sports-hub, already used by Harlequins Rugby Club remains a frontrunner in becoming a host training camp for the 2012 London Olympics and is regarded as one of the finest Sports Parks in the world

As specialist sports pitch sub-contractors to the main contractor Willmott Dixon, Kestrel constructed the World Cup pitches as part of a larger development during 2008 and 2009. The rugby pitches were constructed as part of a fully drained 40,000 m2 grass pitch area comprising of 10 football and rugby pitches; two-small sided sports pitches and two cricket squares.

The success of the Women's Rugby World Cup was plain for all to see. 8000 fans flocked to Guildford for the pool phases to witness the best in international women's rugby. Hosts England knocked out USA, Kazakhstan and Ireland from Pool B in front of the Sky Sports cameras and Head of Elite Rugby Rob Andrew but were denied the prestigious trophy by the gritty and much fancied current World Cup champions the New Zealand Ferns 13-10. Andrew commented "To put it on at this venue, a terrific new venue, with great pitches, and a sell-out crowd, all in all I think everyone involved can sleep easily".

The flagship competition was a major success for Kestrel, Surrey Sports Park and the University of Surrey. The playing surface was certainly tested by both the female rugby stars and the quantity of matches played in such a short time period; however the quality of the pitch upheld, highlighting the good work of Surrey Sports Park's grounds staff and Kestrel's capabilities in world class natural sports ground construction. Rosie Williams the RFUW Managing Director was delighted with tournament "It was absolutely phenomenal. The venue had very, very high quality surfaces."