Work started this morning on the annual renovation of the Welford Road pitch ahead of the 2018/19 Gallagher Premiership season. 

Working with Lincolnshire-based Premier Turfing, Tigers grounds staff are overseeing the process of clearing and relaying the turf.

Tigers pitch uses an Eclipse Turf System which utilises an artificial membrane to hold the natural turf in place.

Head groundsman Ed Mowe said: “The first part of the process is to clear out all the grass, vegetation and organic matter from the pitch stripping it right down to the carpet underneath.

“This will create a nice clean sand profile which we will then top dress with around 80 tons of sand. We’ll then aerate the pitch before seeding, then fertilise the pitch helping the new grass to grow. 

“This year, there’s been a development in the machinery used to carry out the renovation enabling the team to clear out the vegetation much quicker. This speeds up the whole process meaning it will be completed within three days."

On working with sports turf contractors, Premier Turfing, Mowe said: “Their team have carried out the renovation each year over the past few seasons so we’ve built up a good relationship. They work mainly with this type of surface, having worked with football clubs such as Brentford and Paris Saint-Germain, so offer really specialist expertise.

"Within the week, you’ll see the new turf taking shape. The first team will be able to get a few practise sessions in before the first pre-season fixture against London Irish on August 24 and it will be our job to ensure the pitch is ready for the new season."

Keep an eye out across the Tigers website and social media channels for updates, or watch live via our pitchside webcam by clicking here.