There’s more to rugby field design than the grass and goalposts. Before your business can build one, you’ll want to conduct thorough field planning, which includes looking into site location, performing feasibility studies and evaluating site conditions. Additionally, a field’s design goes beyond aesthetics and is crucial for fair gameplay. There are certain rules and regulations to follow that facilitate the game’s mechanics as well as the players, coaches, referees and spectators.
If you’re unfamiliar with rugby field design standards, getting started may feel challenging. This guide lists the eight essential rugby field design elements — each with its own set of rules you must comply with, from the field’s size to the type of turf you use. Discover what to consider when designing a rugby field below.
1. Dimensions
World Rugby is the official governing body for the sport of rugby union and sets various regulations, including rugby field dimensions. The standard rugby field size is a maximum of 109 yards (100 meters) long and 77 yards (70 meters) wide.
- Field of play length: 103 to 109 yards (94 to 100 meters)
- In-goal length: No more than 24 yards (22 meters)
- Total length: 109 to 133 yards (100 to 122 meters)
- Width: 74 to 76.5 yards (68 to 70 meters)
Rugby Field Layout and Markings
There are dedicated areas and different markings that dictate the game of rugby. These are essential to successful rugby field design. For instance, a rugby field layout includes the following components:
- 22 area: Placed between the 22-meter line, which is 24 yards (22 meters) from the try line, and the try line on either side of the field. Scrums and line-outs typically take place here.
- Field of play: The space between the try lines and touchlines. Most of the game occurs here.
- In-goal area: Defined by the try line, the in-goal area is the space between the goal- and dead-ball line.
- Playing area: Consists of the field of play and in-goal area. If the ball goes outside this area, the game is halted.
- Playing enclosure: The entire playing area and the space around it, or the run-off area. It’s defined by either the advertising boards, fencing or seating.
- Run-off area: The 5-yard (5-meter) perimeter around the playing area. It’s dubbed a “hazard-free” zone as it can help prevent injuries when players exit the playing area.
- Scrum zone: The scrum zone is slightly smaller than the field of play. Vertically, it’s the area between the 22-meter line and the try line. Horizontally, it extends between the touchlines.
- Technical areas: On one side of the field are two technical areas. These zones are 11 yards (10 meters) long and 3 yards (3 meters) wide. They’re at least 2 yards (2 meters) away from the touchline. Here, you find replacement players, coaching staff and water carriers. It also houses players who receive yellow cards.
Within the playing enclosure are various solid and dashed markings to further detail the field. These include the:
- 5-meter lines
- 5-meter lines from goal lines
- 10-meter lines
- 15-meter lines
- 22-meter lines
- Dead-ball lines
- Goal lines
- Halfway line
- Touchlines
2. Structures
When designing a rugby field, you must also account for the necessary structures that are crucial to the game.
Goalposts
One of these structures includes the goalposts, which are placed in the middle of both goal lines. This structure is the main target for players to score goals and kicks to earn team points. These posts have their own dimensions to adhere to:
- Total height: At least 3.7 yards (3.4 meters)
- Distance between posts (crossbar width): 6 yards (5.6 meters)
- Distance between the top of the crossbar and the ground: 3 yards (3 meters)
Goalposts must be installed in deep underground sockets to anchor the entire structure securely. Goalposts also require padding to ensure player safety. It must not be thicker than 300 millimeters and must extend at least 1.6 yards (1.5 meters) from the ground.
Flag Posts
In addition to the goalposts and crossbars are the flag posts. Their main purpose is to show where the field’s boundaries are — totaling up to 14 flag posts. Eight of these posts are at the touch-in-goal line and goal line intersections and the touch-in-goal line and dead-ball line intersections. The remaining six are at each 22-meter and halfway line. All flagposts must be at least 1.3 yards (1.2 meters) in height.
3. Turf
Regarding turf, there are two options — natural and artificial. There are several factors to consider when choosing the right turf for your rugby field design:
- Budget
- Ground quality
- Color preferences
- Climate conditions
- Environmental impact
- Maintenance resources
- Performance requirements
Natural Turf
Many players enjoy the feel of natural grass. However, there are different natural grass types to consider. The one you choose should be based on the surrounding environment and ground quality. The two main categories of natural grass include:
- Warm season grasses: Those in warmer regions may want to use species like Bermudagrass that thrive in abundant sunlight.
- Cool season grasses: Those in colder regions may benefit from species like Perennial ryegrass that can handle low temperatures and low light.
If you’re opting for natural grass, consider including an irrigation system within your rugby field design to support grass health. Natural turf can be high maintenance, as it requires good irrigation design as well as regular mowing, fertilization, pest and weed control, and aeration.
Artificial Turf
The most popular type of synthetic turf is 3G artificial grass, which must follow World Rugby Regulation 22 to replicate the playing qualities of natural grass. This option is ideal for rugby fields located in areas where climate conditions can make it challenging to maintain natural grass. Artificial turf must also adhere to Rugby Turf Performance Specification regulations to ensure it’s safe and durable.
Sub-Base
Whether you go natural or synthetic, you must also consider the rugby field’s sub-base. The sub-base is the foundational layer underneath the playing surface, giving it the necessary structural support, evenness and drainage. For natural turf, the sub-base is the foundation for the root zone. For artificial turf, it helps support the shock-absorbing layer and the artificial turf system.
4. Drainage
While having a good irrigation system to apply water is essential, it’s just as important to install a well-designed drainage system to remove excess water. Regardless of your region, rainy days happen, causing excess water to accumulate on the rugby field. The drainage process must happen fast and efficiently, especially when a match is about to begin or is in progress.
As such, it’s crucial to have an experienced drainage expert on your design team. They’ll be able to correctly position the network of field drains around the ground, linking the free-draining root zone to drainage outlet points. You can also collaborate with them regarding the pipe’s material and depth, the drain’s type and spacing and the backfill depth.
You and the drainage expert will also decide which type of drainage system may work best for the rugby field. The three common types of systems include:
- Surface drainage: This system uses a slight slope to guide the water down and prevent puddles. It’s ideal for natural and artificial turf.
- Subsurface drainage: This system is underground and uses a piping system to drain the water away.
- Permeable base systems: With an artificial turf base, excess water will permeate and seep through into the drainage system below.
5. Lighting
One element you must include in your rugby field design is lighting. Rugby games can happen at night, too, so it’s essential to allow players, referees and coaches to see the match properly. It’s also crucial for broadcasting quality and the spectators’ experience.
Before you decide on your lighting equipment, there are a few requirements specifically for rugby fields. Illuminance, measured in lux or lx, is the amount of light emitted on a surface, or the luminous flux per unit area. A higher lux amount equals higher brightness and, thus, visibility levels.
Depending on the game type, it will require different minimum lux amounts. For example:
- Training and recreation: 200 lx
- Amateur competition and professional training: 300 lx
- Professional competition: 500 lx
Because there’s more to lighting than ensuring a match is well-lit, it’s advisable to work with a rugby field lighting professional. There are various lighting factors to consider, such as:
- Illuminance
- Brightness
- Uniformity
- Positioning
- Angling
- Heat dissipation
- Color rendering index (CRI)
- Glare rating
- Color temperature
- Energy efficiency
Brightness
The illumination’s brightness is just as important. A rugby field’s required brightness is calculated through its size and the required lux amount.
For example, if a field’s main function is to host professional competitions, it will require a minimum illuminance of 500 lux. Suppose this field is 109 yards (100 meters) in length and 74 yards (68 meters) wide. Multiply the lux amount with the length and width to get 3,400,000 lux — the total brightness level for this specific field.
Uniformity
The uniformity of your lighting must also be considered. The illumination’s uniformity refers to how evenly distributed the light is across the field — the aim is to reduce glare hot spots and shadowy patches.
For rugby fields, the uniformity ratio must at least be 0.6, or in other words, the minimum illumination must be 60% on average. Professional or international matches may require a higher uniformity, such as 0.7 or 0.8. The number of light fixtures and their placement, height and angle all dictate how you achieve your desired uniformity ratio.
6. Seating
Catering to spectators is another key element of rugby field design. Around the playing enclosure is the spectator seating, allowing game watchers to observe and experience the match in person. Many rugby fields offer seating all around the playing enclosure to give attendees a panoramic, unobstructed view of the field.
Depending on the rugby field size, its function and expected capacity, you may install the following types of spectator seating:
- Tiered seating
- Grandstand seating
- Bench seating
Remember to accommodate people with disabilities who may have different seating needs. Additionally, you may consider VIP sections for high-paying attendees to provide greater luxury and privacy. Team coaches will also require a seating area. Depending on the rugby field’s function, you may also add commentary staff seating that blocks enough crowd noise while giving them a great view of the entire field.
7. Parking
Just like with seating, you’ll want to determine the adequate amount of space required to accommodate everyone’s parking needs. It’s not just spectators who will require parking space — the rugby players, coaches, referees, field staff, medical staff, vendors and even entertainment all need parking facilities. Be sure to prioritize accessibility, too.
Here are a few other parking considerations:
- Layout
- Lighting
- Traffic flow
- Accessibility
- Security features
- Pedestrian safety
- Markings and signage
8. Shading
One overlooked but crucial rugby field element is including shade structures. There are various uses and benefits of shade structures, from providing weather protection to making exposed areas more comfortable. Some areas that require shade include:
- Seating
- Parking
- Vendors
- Practice grounds
With shade structures for sports facilities, you help improve the athlete and attendee experience by protecting them from rain, wind, sun and UV exposure. While the main purpose of shading structures is comfort and protection, it can also add visual appeal. Well-designed, branded shade structures draw more attention and help patrons recognize your rugby field.
Contact USA SHADE for Custom Weather-Resistant Shade Solutions
Designing a rugby field requires considerable thought and planning. Various design elements must be kept in mind while also adhering to rugby and local government guidelines and standards. Collaborating with professionals can help ease the challenge.
USA SHADE is here for all your business’s sports field shade structure needs. Our shade structures are built to fit any sport — from rugby to basketball and everything in between. Whether you need help with conceptualization, fabrication or construction, our capabilities are endless, and we’re with you every step of the way.
With over three decades of experience, we’re proud leaders in fabric structure design and technology. We’re also an IAS Accredited Fabricator, which means you can trust us for quality and code-compliant projects.
Contact us today, and let’s work to make your custom rugby field shade structures a reality.
