Bristol staying at Memorial Stadium

Bristol Rugby have announced a dramatic U-turn as their proposed temporary move to Rodney Parade will not go ahead – with the side remaining at the Memorial Stadium next season.

Bristol Rugby have announced a dramatic U-turn as their proposed temporary move to Rodney Parade will not go ahead – with the side remaining at the Memorial Stadium next season.

Club Chief Executive David White confirmed the news on Tuesday following soccer side Bristol Rovers' decision to delay the ground's re-development by twelve months.

And White admitted that, having sold season tickets for the past month on the basis of playing at Rodney Parade in 2008/09, it will be a challenging few weeks for the club.

“We have been in discussions with Bristol Rovers over the past couple of days and, now they have clarified the situation, we have decided to play our fixtures at the Memorial Stadium this season,” he said.

“We have also been talking to Newport and keeping them appraised of the situation. They are naturally disappointed that we will not be joining them next season but understand our situation.

“I would like to say that everyone that we have dealt with at Newport has been a pleasure to work with. We look forward to working with them with a view to playing at Rodney Parade in 2009-10.

“I would also like to thank the Welsh Rugby Union, Premier Rugby and the Rugby Football Union for their support over the past few months.

“This is now a challenging time for us, but we remain fully supportive of the long term re-development of the Memorial Stadium.

“In addition, I would like to reiterate that anyone who has already purchased a season ticket will have that purchase honoured at the price they paid.

“Finally, I would like to apologise to our supporters and stakeholders for any inconvenience caused by this change in our plans for 2008-9 and ask that they get behind us on and off the field in what promises to be an eventful season.”