National Stadium pitch fit for rugby Test
The Test match between the Singapore women's rugby team and their Hong Kong counterparts will take place as planned tomorrow at the National Stadium.
It will be the curtain-raiser for the Super Rugby clash between Japan's Sunwolves and the Stormers from South Africa.
There were concerns over the state of the National Stadium pitch before Tuesday's Asian Football Confederation Cup football game between Tampines Rovers and Selangor.
The field was already cut up and sandy in patches after the Rugby Sevens three weeks ago and also suffered some wear and tear after last week's Asia Masters athletics event.
But the pitch was deemed fit to play after an inspection by rugby officials yesterday.
In a statement yesterday, Singapore Rugby Union president Low Teo Ping said: "We are satisfied with the findings of the inspection carried out by match officials and the referees today which assures us of the integrity of the pitch, and has certified it fit for play.
"While we are pleased that the pitch has passed the inspection, it does not mean that the pitch quality commensurates with what a world-class pitch should be.
"With the nod of approval from the authorities, we are confident that our home team as well as guests from abroad can look forward to some great play on Saturday."
Singapore Sports Hub chief executive officer Manu Sawhney is looking forward to welcoming rugby fans to the Sports Hub.
He said: "I am glad that our national women's team will indeed be kicking things off at the National Stadium with their first international Test match in two years." - LAURA CHIA
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