Simon Langton Grammar School

There were no first time nerves recently when the long-awaited appearance of the latest rugby development from Lano Sports made its debut for the Canterbury Academy. Playing to its strengths, the Rugby MXSi TLT 60 surface showed tremendous resilience and durability in the face of a forward-dominated game full of hotly-contested scrums, rucks and mauls. Manufactured using one of the strongest yarns on the market, the surface allowed for a free-flowing game as the backs were able to be confident underfoot, running through their well-rehearsed moves and scoring a brace of tries. Even the kickers were rewarded with consistency and predictability of bounce.

Developed following the success of the Rugby MXS and Rugby MXSi, Rugby MXSi TLT 60 is aimed at top level rugby. Designed exclusively for Lano Sports using the latest in yarn technology, the combined shape of the two monofilament yarns provide both softness and durability. Unlike fibrillating yarns, which are now widely proposed in combined qualities in the market, and which collapse and fold over under pressure, the two monofilament yarns are designed to provide long-term consistent playing characteristics. Independent testing has shown that even after 200,000 Lisport cycles - the equivalent of 8 years average usage - it still plays to the latest IRB22 and FIFA standards.

Based at Simon Langton Grammar School for Boys in Canterbury, the Rugby MXSi TLT 60 pitch has been a delight for the Academy. Director of Sport, Darren Watson, said:  "The new STP at The Langton, although only a couple of months old, has already revolutionised the sports provision in this area. From day one, the footfall through the facility has been amazing and to see so many smiling faces running around in all weathers is truly inspiring. The build is a thing of beauty and everyone who visits us is blown away by the quality of the turf, the supporter areas, the dug outs and the general feel of the place. The quality of play the pitch enables is unbelievable. Lano Sports managed to turn our vision into reality. I have not been disappointed in any aspect of the build and in a number of ways the reality of what has been produced here surpassed my expectations. It is a very exciting place to be and it is already driving sport at the school and in this district. What we really need is another one!" And with Nicky Little, Fijian legend of 4 Rugby World Cups, in charge of the Academy based there, the pitch will certainly be put through its paces.