NEWPORT County AFC star Sean Rigg believes the new pitch at Rodney Parade will be a major boost for the Exiles.

The Welsh Rugby Union, which has taken control of the Dragons and the stadium they share with County and Newport RFC, is funding a new hybrid playing surface featuring both real grass and artificial fibres.

Work began earlier this month (below) and the WRU promises that the Desso Playmaster pitch, along with a new drainage and irrigation system, will solve the problems that have dogged the pitch in recent seasons.

South Wales Argus:

Principality Stadium manager Mark Williams, who has been part of the WRU consultation group tasked with improving the Rodney Parade facility, said: “Flooding will be a thing of the past and the playing surface will be stable and consistent and fit for purpose.”

That is music to the ears of Rigg and his County colleagues, who played on what was considered to be the worst pitch in the Football League last season.

“It’s going to go from one extreme to the other and hopefully we can get the ball down and play a bit this year,” said the 28-year-old attacker.

“I think in some ways it worked to our advantage last year because we got used to it but the heavy pitch does take it out of your legs.

“I’m buzzing that it’s being sorted out and so are the rest of the lads. They’re over the moon. It will be good for us.”

The only negative is that the new pitch will not be ready to play on until the home game with Chesterfield on Saturday, August 26.

That means Michael Flynn’s team will start their League Two campaign with away trips to Stevenage, Crewe Alexandra and Coventry City, as well as a Carabao Cup tie at Southend United.

“It’s going to be a bit strange but I’m sure we can go and get the points,” said Rigg.

“We’ve got a strengthened team this year and we’ve just got to go away and do our best.”

Rigg played for an hour at the Spiers and Hartwell Jubilee Stadium in Evesham on Saturday as County beat Gloucester City 4-1 in their latest pre-season friendly.

South Wales Argus:

New signings Frank Nouble and Matty Dolan (above) scored two goals apiece and Rigg is happy with the way things are going in the build-up to the Stevenage match on Saturday, August 5.

“It’s great just to get out there and get your fitness and sharpness back,” he said.

“To win a few games in pre-season gets the confidence back so it’s really encouraging.

“We’ve made a few good signings, which was obviously needed and the new lads have all settled really well.

“That’s massive so hopefully we can get where we want to be.

“Obviously it wasn’t a great start for us last season but it was a strong finish so hopefully we can carry that into this season.”