London Irish open talks over Brentford ground-share
Monday 15 August 2016 23:07, UK
London Irish have opened talks with Hounslow council over the possibility of sharing Brentford's proposed new stadium at Lionel Road.
The Championship club, who have been sharing Reading FC's Madejski Stadium since 1998, began formal discussions on Monday over several possible stadium developments, as they consider a move back to the capital.
With the club exploring the possibility of a ground-share or joint stadium development, Brentford's plans for a new community stadium in west London is one option under discussion.
Championship side Brentford are far along the process of securing their new home, having recently had government approval on a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) for the land required on Lionel Road South.
London Irish, who have been linked with a number of stadium moves in the last decade, will continue to review all options and keep its supporters and stakeholders informed.
But in a statement issued to Sky Sports News HQ, Brentford say their intention is to share with a rugby team and admit Irish are one of a number of clubs they have spoken to.
The Bees said: "Brentford Football Club's vision is to have a new 20,000-seat Brentford Community Stadium for both professional football and rugby, subject to the relevant planning permissions.
"Over a number of years, the new stadium project team has held discussions with several rugby clubs, one of which is London Irish.
"We understand that the club has a long-term aspiration to move back nearer to its roots at some stage and to play home games in the west London area again. With that in mind, London Irish started formal discussions with London Borough of Hounslow on August 15 to explore the potential to play rugby at Brentford Community Stadium.
"Brentford Football Club welcomes these exploratory discussions with the Council."
