Rob Langley - University of Cambridge Sport - Sports Grounds & Facilities Supervisor

Rob oversees the maintenance and preparation of high-quality sports pitches across multiple disciplines, including football, rugby, cricket, hockey and tennis. With 15 years of experience as a professional rugby player, Rob brings a unique athlete-focused perspective to his role, ensuring all surfaces meet the demands of elite competition while supporting community use.

Rob leads a dedicated team, coordinating daily turf care, seasonal renovations, irrigation management and machinery operation across the university’s sporting facilities. He ensures that pitches and courts remain safe, durable and ready for year-round use, whilst also preparing venues for tournaments and matches.

Beyond his core responsibilities, Rob contributes to the wider grounds management community by promoting best practices and engaging with professional networks. He has introduced innovative maintenance techniques and proactive scheduling, improving player safety and operational efficiency.

Rob’s achievements include implementing a comprehensive seasonal maintenance programme that enhanced pitch quality and reduced downtime, enabling more frequent use by players and supporting a diverse range of sporting events. He has successfully navigated challenges such as unpredictable weather and heavy facility use, introducing adaptive maintenance strategies that ensured playing surfaces remained safe and playable under pressure.

Looking ahead, Rob aims to continue improving sports surfaces through innovative maintenance methods and technology. He is committed to sharing his expertise and collaborating with sports clubs and organisations to raise standards across the sector. His vision is for a grounds management industry that provides excellent, reliable surfaces for both elite sport and community engagement, whilst embracing sustainability and continuous professional development.

With over 15 years of professional rugby experience behind him, Rob brings a unique blend of athletic insight and technical expertise to his role as Sports Grounds & Facilities Supervisor at Cambridge University. His deep understanding of athletes’ needs informs every aspect of his work, from overseeing the maintenance of premier sports pitches—including football, rugby, cricket, hockey, and tennis courts—to managing a skilled team dedicated to delivering top-quality playing surfaces. Known for his leadership and hands-on approach, Rob expertly coordinates daily turf care, seasonal renovations with his team and the upkeep of specialised machinery. He ensures the grounds are always match-ready, supporting a wide array of university sports and community events with professionalism and precision. His collaborative style fosters strong partnerships with coaches, sports staff, and university departments, all united by the goal of providing safe, reliable, and high-performing facilities. Rob’s commitment extends beyond maintenance; he is passionate about elevating the standards of sports grounds management and contributing to the university’s reputation for sporting excellence."

Stephen Greenwood, Operations Manager – University of Cambridge Sport