WORK on the artificial pitch at Horspath Sports Ground is nearing completion.

The project at the city’s £1million rugby hub – the new home of Oxford Harlequins – started in May.

With the carpet laid, sand and rubber crumb will be added to the £800,000 Rugby Football Union-funded pitch, before it will be tested and handed over to the club next Tuesday.

Quins chairman Neil Hopper said: “It looks amazing.

“It’s exciting. We’re nearly there at the end of a long process.”

The changing rooms and clubhouse are also being redeveloped at a cost of £200,000.