England scrumhalf reveals image of leg after latest '4G' game

England international Dan Robson has posted images of the damage done to his legs after his most recent game on a ‘4G’ pitch.

Over the weekend Wasps crashed out of the European Challenge Cup at the semi-final stage as they were beaten 20-18 by Lyon side at the Matmut Stadium.

The Matmut is a hybrid seeded pitch which uses both natural grass and synthetic material. While many prefer it to a fully synthetic pitch, Robson clearly wasn’t a fan.

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Toulouse centre Pita Ahki joins us to discuss the drama of the penalty shootout at the Aviva Stadium, whether he’d have fancied taking one, returning to Dublin to take on Leinster and much more. Plus, Benji reveals he was next in line to take a penalty when Leicester beat Cardiff in a shootout in 2009, we analyse all the European action, chat about the prospect of Eddie Jones moving to the Top 14 and pick our MEATER Moment of the Week…
Use the code FRENCHPOD20 at checkout for 20% off any full price item at Meater.com
Head over to daysbrewing.com and use the code RUGBYPASS15 to get 15% off a case of their 0.0% beers

“On a positive note, that was the last 4G we play on this season,” wrote Robson on Twitter.

On a positive note, that was the last 4G we play on this season ?????? pic.twitter.com/jYDZJJLQOz

— Dan Robson (@d_jrobson) May 15, 2022

Robson is by no mean alone.

Indeed it’s a recurring theme for rugby players, many of whom have voiced their concern around the growing use of synthetic pitches in the sport. Severe friction abrasions have led to skin infections in professional players and even skin grafts, while the pitches have also been associated with an increase in knee issues.

Exeter Chiefs and England star Jack Nowell is also not a fan.

“I can’t stand them,” Nowell told RugbyPass September. “I’m in a position now that I can play on them but when I was younger I struggled quite a bit with patellar tendonitis. I had that op [operation] done eventually.

“So I’m kind of in a position to play on them, but they’re just not nice.

“When you get through the game, you feel alright, then your Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday sessions are horrendous.

“I can’t run. I feel very, very sore, worse than I normally would after a game. I don’t know if you become robust to them or used to playing on them.”

The use of the technicality is not strictly driven by the sport, but rather the financial advantage it offers over traditional grass pitches. Clubs are able to hold a wider range of events on the pitch without having to worry about ruining the playing surface.