“The result will be a stronger, more resilient and better drained surface for the team to perform on. I think players and supporters alike will notice the difference.

“That’s probably the worst winter I’ve seen in the 14 years I’ve been here. It was almost a throwback to the winters of the 60s and 70s."

Gloucester’s groundstaff went to drastic lengths to make sure the Heineken Cup clash against Biarritz went ahead, with a huge dome erected on the pitch.

“Give it three weeks and you’ll see real results. I should definitely expect to be mowing within four weeks.”

Once all the turf has been completely stripped off a total of 100 tonnes of sand will then be laid down on top of the surface.

Balmer explained “At the moment, they’re ‘Koroing’ the top off. This involves stripping off the existing turf layer which is predominantly full of annual meadow grass, a shallow rooting grass which doesn’t bind into the surface."

“Meadow grass is an invasive species, blown in on the wind and not one that you would plant."

“Once this is done they will then install 100 tonnes of sand in bands which are 35mm wide by 250mm deep at 250mm intervals across the pitch.

“The next step is to spread 100 tonnes of sand into the top 75mm of the pitch surface, which will help with the drainage and allow the root structure of the grass to develop better.

“Finally, it will be over-seeded and fertilised ready for next season with a mix of four types of perennial rye grass.

Citizen