Dragons Rugby and Newport RFC are pleased to confirm a new long-term agreement has secured the Black & Ambers future at Rodney Parade.
Dragons and Newport RFC have worked closely to reach an agreement after the club outlined its wishes to take control of its home fixtures to be able to play regularly on a Saturday afternoon, as well as having greater control of their costs.
The new agreement will see Newport RFC play a minimum of two high-profile games at Rodney Parade every season for free.
The Black & Ambers will play their remaining home fixtures at Newport Stadium (Spytty Park) in Newport’s International Sports Village, commencing with Saturday’s Indigo Welsh Premiership fixture with Merthyr.
Dragons have supported Newport RFC throughout this process to ensure a smooth transition and groundstaff will continue to work with Newport RFC for all fixtures at Newport Stadium.
Dragons Rugby Chairman, David Buttress, said: “The history of Newport RFC and Rodney Parade is very important to me, so I wanted to make sure we had a sustainable way of retaining that relationship between the club and the ground in the long-term.
“It’s been crucial throughout this process to find a practicable solution for Rodney Parade, as a sportsground, that supports the best interests of all stakeholders: Dragons Rugby, Newport County and Newport RFC.
“I am grateful to Will Godfrey (Chairman, Newport RFC) and Mark Jones (Managing Director, Dragons Rugby) for all the hard work that has gone in to reaching this mutual agreement that will ensure Newport RFC’s long-term future at Rodney Parade.”
Chairman of Newport RFC, Will Godfrey, said: “This is an opportunity for Newport RFC to have greater control over its match day experience, whilst still retaining strong links with Rodney Parade. We feel club rugby should be played on Saturday afternoons and recognise the demands at Rodney Parade with three sides playing there.
“We are delighted we have found a solution that suits both Dragons and Newport RFC and that Newport RFC will continue to play some games there each year.
“Newport RFC would like to express their thanks to David Buttress, Mark Jones and the management team at Dragons for their support on resolving the issues and especially for their ongoing assistance in the preparation for games at Newport Stadium.”
