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After attending today’s rugby preliminary final between Eastwood and Randwick at Woollahra Oval, I have to say that the state of the playing surface and spectator facilities is appalling and it is inexcusable that the NSW Rugby Union could countenance playing such an important finals series match at this venue.
The severely eroded and uneven playing surface contributed to several major injuries on both sides and with no grandstand and most spectators standing on the sidelines, it was difficult to see at least half the field. It is bad enough witnessing club games throughout the season, but this venue is entirely unsuitable for a finals series.
There has been much media comment throughout the week about the state of Sydney University Oval for the match between Sydney University and Southern Districts, but in my opinion Woollahra Oval would have to be the worst Premier Rugby Ground in Sydney, closely followed by Sydney University Oval.
It beggars belief how such apparently affluent clubs can provide such poor playing and spectator friendly facilities.
The best venue by a long margin is Concord Oval, followed by Pittwater Rugby park, T G Millner Field, North Sydney Oval (despite the distance from the playing field) and Coogee Oval.
It is to be hoped that the newly constituted Sydney Rugby Union, which comes into effect after the grand final, will adopt a far more rigorous requirement not only for the upgrading of venues generally, but also in its selection of those for the finals series.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.