Newport Gwent Dragons to move Cardiff Blues match to different venue

Newport Gwent Dragons have expressed disappointment after being forced to move their final home game of the season to another venue.

They are scheduled to host Cardiff Blues at Rodney Parade on Saturday, May 6 but the match clashes with Newport County's League Two fixture against Notts County at the ground.

Due to both games being the last of their respective campaigns, both the Pro12 and the EFL have refused to change kick-off dates or times.

As such, the Dragons feel they have been left with no alternative but to switch their meeting with Cardiff to another venue in the region.

Their chief executive Stuart Davies said: "This is an unfortunate situation and compounds what has already been a very challenging season in respect of the ground share arrangement.

"As soon as the Dragons' fixtures were announced in June, and before a ball was kicked this season, we asked Newport County to liaise with the English Football League over re-arranging their game, given the importance to us of the Blues match.

"Their initial response was very positive, but only recently have details of their efforts in that respect become apparent, as has the intransigence of the EFL on this issue.

"Given the provisions within the licence agreement governing such situations, I can confirm that we will now be seeking an alternative venue for the Dragons' match against the Blues.

"As disappointing as this situation is however, it gives us the chance to take a game of huge standing into the region.

"I'm sure this will be very well received and could be a forerunner of similar arrangements for certain games in the future.

"I have had brief chats with a number of clubs in the Region and their response has been excellent.

"We shall now work on the detail and liaise with various stakeholders before making a final decision on where it is to be played."