A number of Blakedown Sport & Play pitches have been selected for use as training facilities during the Rugby World Cup 2015.

Pitches at Hartpury College (pictured), Haileybury School and the University of Birmingham will be used by teams from the US, South Africa, Argentina and Scotland.

The selection follows a rigorous selection process, including detailed site visits and liaison with competing teams, after a competitive tender was launched in April 2013.

Meanwhile, Burnley FC players Michael Duff and Sam Vokes were on hand to officially open Blakedown’s 3G pitch at Nelson & Colne College in Lancashire recently. The pitch has been constructed using the FIFA-accredited ‘Future DS’ carpet, which is designed to replicate natural turf and give a high-performance surface all year round.

Blakedown also built a multi-use games area at the college, which features an enlarged gym and improved changing facilities.