Saracens are planning to play their home matches on artificial turf from next season.

The installation of a state-of-the-art pitch forms a key element of the club’s proposal to revive the Barnet Copthall stadium in the heart of north London.

Chairman Nigel Wray said: “Artificial turf may well be the future of rugby. It has been approved by the IRB and the RFU, and all the latest evidence suggests it will enable a faster, safer and more entertaining game. Artificial turf technology has improved out of all recognition and concerns about burns and injuries are very much in the past.

“The use of artificial turf in the revived Barnet Copthall stadium will not affect athletics and will also enable the community to use the venue on around 350 days per year.”

“We are announcing our intentions today and have already entered into open discussions, sharing information and research with our colleagues in Aviva Premiership Rugby.”

The artificial turf pitch at Barnet Copthall will comply in full with IRB Regulation 22.