<
>

Wasps go for hybrid pitch at Ricoh Arena

James Haskell and Andy Goode of Wasps pose for a picture at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry, October 8, 2014 Getty Images

Wasps will play on a hybrid pitch at their new Coventry home next season.

Wasps move to the Ricoh Arena on December 21 but the pitch will undergo a transformation in the summer to turn it into a surface which can "withstand the demands of both football and rugby matches, with a mixture of natural grass and synthetic fibres".

After purchasing a 100% shareholding of the Ricoh Arena, Wasps will also go about making the place their home. Their logo will be prominent but will feature alongside Coventry City's.

Wasps CEO Nick Eastwood said: "We understand the Ricoh is home for Sky Blues supporters and we hope they also understand Wasps desire to make our players and supporters feel at home here too. We are proud to have found a magnificent permanent home where we can put down roots and we would like to celebrate this, while always remaining respectful to Coventry City and their fans.

"We have had a number of very constructive meetings with representatives of CCFC and have explained our plans to them. We also have had a wide-ranging discussion on many areas in which the two clubs could potentially cooperate in the future. The discussions were positive and we are keen to keep an open dialogue with CCFC regarding both our plans. We are confident both parties will be able to build a successful partnership working alongside each other."