THE new hybrid surface that will transform the much-maligned Rodney Parade pitch is being rolled out.

Work has started to lay the Desso Playmaster surface at the historic ground after the installation of a new drainage network.

The turf, shipped in from the Netherlands, is being laid and pitch will be surrounded by 3G artificial grass. 

South Wales Argus:

The Welsh Rugby Union bought Rodney Parade this summer and committed £750,000 to improving the pitch, which is home to previous owners Newport RFC, the Dragons and Newport County.

The Exiles were granted permission by the Football League to start their season on the road to allow the improvements to be completed after enduring plenty of problems in 2016/17.

South Wales Argus:

They had three games postponed or abandoned and visiting teams frequently grumbled about the surface, while the Dragons’ Anglo-Welsh Cup clash with Newcastle was ended 12 minutes early and their Guinness PRO12 derby with the Ospreys was played in horrendous conditions.

The WRU initially expressed a preference for putting down a 3G field but shelved those plans after County’s great escape from relegation because the Football League does not allow artificial pitches.

The Exiles host their first game on Saturday, August 26 when Chesterfield visit and the Black and Ambers also host old foes Cardiff that weekend with the Principality Premiership encounter likely to move to the Sunday.

The Dragons get their Guinness PRO14 campaign under way with a home meeting with Leinster on Saturday, September 2.

South Wales Argus: