Dragons to relocate match against Cardiff Blues

Newport Gwent Dragons have confirmed their intention to relocate their end of season fixture against Cardiff Blues on Saturday May 6th to another ground in the Region.

The fixture clash has been well documented, with Newport County AFC scheduled to play Notts County on the same date and just fifteen minutes separating the kick off times. Such clashes have historically been avoided by scheduling weekends for rugby or football, or by the teams being flexible around moving fixtures. Since this is the last game of the season for both sides however, both the English Football League and the Guinness Pro12 are insistent on all matches kicking off at the same time so that no-one is disadvantaged.

Commenting on the decision, Group CEO Stuart Davies stated,

“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.

“More information will follow once it has been confirmed, and this will be communicated either directly or via the website, ezine and social media channels.

“It is also the case that Newport RFC’s match against Cross Keys on that same weekend will be unable to proceed on the Saturday, and a further announcement will be made in respect of this fixture also.”