What's in a name?

News this week that Saracens have secured an £8m deal with Allianz to re-name their new stadium for the next 6 years.

The Barnet Copthall Stadium, into which Sarries are expected to move next February, will now be called Allianz Park.

Perhaps more interesting, though, is the fact that the stadium will feature an artificial pitch, meaning that “springtime rugby” could be played all year round. Admittedly this would involve something of a sea-change in the Sarries style of play but it does beg the question – could artificial pitches be the long-term answer to the skills gap between the northern and southern hemispheres?

Answers on the back of a postcard...