Curro Windhoek School, in partnership with Rhino-Turf, has installed Africa’s first synthetic rugby field certified by World Rugby® using a 100% recyclable natural cork infill — Amorim’s Infill Nature 190. This project marks a major milestone for sustainable sports infrastructure on the African continent.
Located in Windhoek, Namibia, where average daytime temperatures reach 35 °C, this pitch had to meet high-performance expectations while withstanding thermal stress. Conventional rubber or synthetic infills can amplify surface heat, compromise player comfort, and accelerate microplastic release. A high-performance, heat-resilient, and sustainable solution was needed.
““We’re extremely proud to have installed this field as a first for Africa. It’s a historical project that demonstrates the capabilities of Rhino-Turf not just in sport, but in sustainable innovation.””
Infill Nature 190, developed by Amorim Sports, is a high-performance cork infill offering:
Natural heat resistance: Low thermal conductivity reduces surface temperatures by up to 30% compared to traditional synthetic infills
Excellent mechanical performance: Optimal shock absorption, low energy restitution, high elasticity, and controlled rotational resistance
Environmental responsibility: 100% natural, REACH-compliant, microplastic-free, and carbon-negative (–72.5 kg CO₂e/kg)
Durability: UV stable, fire-retardant, and decay-resistant
With a bulk density of 170–210 kg/m³ and a calibrated 1–2 mm granule size, Infill Nature 190 is engineered for consistent play, long lifespan, and sustainability across all climate zones.
As a cork-based infill, Amorim Nature 190 is an eco-friendly option. It allows to reduce the quantity of synthetic materials in an artificial turf and to avoid the release of microplastics, thus contributing for the decrease of environmental pollution.
Player Safety: Cork’s natural elasticity and energy absorption help reduce fatigue and risk of injury — key to daily training and competitive play.
The combination of a technical shock absorption, a lower energy restitution with a great cooling effect and an overall lower surface temperature of artificial turf fields makes the cork-based infill the rational option on the market for geographies near the equator.
This made cork the clear choice for a region not only committed to athletic excellence and environmental responsibility, but also facing the challenge of extreme surface temperatures that demand natural thermal performance.
““This project is more than a field — it’s a game-changer for rugby in our region. Our players now train on a world-class surface that supports both performance and the planet.””
Rhino-Turf led the installation at Curro Windhoek School, completing:
Turf base preparation with shock-absorbing underlay
Uniform infill distribution for optimal pile support
Compliance testing for World Rugby certification
Field commissioning under match and training conditions
Cork infill contributes to a significantly lower environmental footprint throughout the field’s life cycle.
It releases zero microplastics, helping to prevent pollution of surrounding ecosystems. At the end of its service life, it is fully recyclable or can be repurposed in other natural applications, supporting circular economy models.
Its production is carbon-negative, with each kilogram of cork absorbing more CO₂ than it emits (–72.5 kg CO₂e/kg).
Additionally, cork is free from toxic additives and maintains long-term field integrity without chemical breakdown — ensuring safety for players and the environment alike.
““As the founder of Rhino-Turf, I’ve always believed in leading from the front. Getting hands-on again, especially in Africa, the player welfare is always of paramount importance to us at Rhino-Turf and it has always been about setting a new benchmark for quality and sustainability on the continent. This project is just the beginning — we’re here to raise the standard and prove that innovation and responsibility can go hand in hand.””
Key Achievements:
First WR-certified cork-infill field in Africa
Safe and comfortable play across thermal extremes
Fully recyclable and plastic-free
This project sets a precedent — not just for rugby, but for the future of sport across the continent.
* Note: Temperature reduction claim is based on testing of Nature 130 and SBR infill conducted in May 2021 under controlled outdoor conditions, with ambient temperature of approximately 35 °C (95 °F). Actual results may vary depending on system configuration and climate.
