A COMPANY which laid the grass at the Millennium Stadium is being sued for close to £1 million over claims part of the pitch was damaged during a Six Nations Rugby Union match between England and Wales.

Inturf, based at Wilberfoss, near York, is also issuing a counter-claim against the stadium for the money it is owed for laying the pitch.

Joint-owner Alex Edwards said: "There were some divots, but only three per cent of the pitch had to be repaired.

"At half-time the ground staff came on and repaired the divots, but following the game there was quite a lot of work to be done."

But he said other factors, including the weather, affected the pitch and the company was not at fault.

The owners of the Cardiff stadium had to bring in a Dutch company to completely relay the turf in the aftermath of Wales's 11-9 victory over England in February.

Updated: 12:25 Tuesday, October 25, 2005