The new playing surface is a pivotal step in enabling the University to host and facilitate a wider range of sports for the enhancement of both student life and the Cambridge community.

A durable, high-quality surface will transform the Ground into a much-needed year-round venue that enables a greater range of sports to be played, including rugby union, football, rugby league, Australian rules, lacrosse, and American football.

Development of the Ground will not only enhance the playing of competitive sports but will also help promote physical wellbeing for students across Collegiate Cambridge and the wider Cambridge community by providing space for the University’s Active Students initiative and community sport programmes.

The Grange Road Ground is owned by the Cambridge University Rugby Union and Association Football Trust Limited (rugby and football clubs CURUFC and CUAFC), but the condition of the natural grass pitch currently restricts usage to 8-12 hours per week of rugby training and matches. The redevelopment presents a wonderful opportunity to welcome CUAFC back to Grange Road and to build on the vast, shared history and success of the two clubs.

Hugh Mumford, local resident and University of Cambridge alumnus, said:

“I am delighted to be part of the exciting new development at Grange Road and help bring to fruition all the hard work of those involved in putting this project together. I hope that this new pitch will be used by many, from those already playing at a high level to those who decide to give sport a try.

"Sport played an important role in my time at Cambridge, and its impact has continued well beyond my university years. The lessons learned on the sports field have proven invaluable in the workplace and in life. It gives me great pleasure, therefore, to support a project which will bring about an increase in sporting activity both for students and the wider community”.

In recognition of this significant support, the pitch will be named the Mumford Pitch.

Mark Brian, Director of Sport at the University of Cambridge, said:

“This impactful support for sport and physical activity at Cambridge will help create a venue that supports those striving for sporting excellence, encourages physical wellbeing for our students, and delivers benefits well beyond our Collegiate community.  

This is a decisive milestone in the transformation of the Ground. We are hugely grateful to our alumni and supporters for this vital step forward in fulfilling our vision for the future of sport and physical activity at Cambridge and to CURUFC for their commitment in driving this project forward”.

The next stage of the Ground’s transformation will focus on improving the associated facilities to support the wider use of the pitch, enrich the match day experience for players and spectators, and increase the variety of purposes that the ground will serve. This will include introducing a flexible indoor space that accommodates low-intensity exercise, meetings, physiotherapy and hospitality, and improved accessibility.