Could Bath make a real splash in Cardiff next term?
ENGLISH rugby giants Bath have discussed an audacious bid to bring the Gallagher Premiership to Wales next season while their new stadium is being built in the west country.
The Bath Chronicle report the famous rugby club have considered nine existing stadiums, and seven other sites, for a temporary ground during the redevelopment of their historic Rec home.
The ground-share options included Cardiff Arms Park, Newport’s Rodney Parade and Cardiff City Stadium, home of the Bluebirds.
The details are revealed in an exhibition in the Bath Guildhall that outlines the club’s proposals for a temporary home.
Bath confirm talks have taken place with a number of existing stadium owners, but they make it clear they prefer a different option.
If planning permission is granted, construction of a new 18,000-capacity permanent stadium on The Rec would start during the 2019-20 season.
The current aim is for it to be open for use in September, 2021.
It means Todd Blackadder’s side, that includes Welsh internationals Jamie Roberts, Taulupe Faletau, Rhys Priestland, Luke Charteris and Aled Brew, will need to move out part way through next season and play their games elsewhere.
As well as the three Welsh venues explored as options, Bath considered relocating to Premiership rivals Bristol and Gloucester, as well as football stadia at Bristol Rovers, Swindon, Yeovil and Reading.
Though the closest stadium in Wales to Bath, a move to Rodney Parade would be a logistical nightmare given the venue already hosts the Dragons and Newport RFC, as well as Newport County.
The Blues and Cardiff RFC play at the Arms Park. Cardiff City and Wales use Cardiff City Stadium.
The Bluebirds are no strangers to hosting rugby games, having previously had the Blues as tenants.
Although it wouldn’t be well received by our four regions, the prospect of watching hugely competitive English Premiership rugby would appeal to a lot of people in Wales. There would also be the opportunity to boost revenue streams at the Arms Park, Rodney Parade or Cardiff City Stadium.
However, while revealing their ground-share talks, Bath have stated their preferred option is a purposebuilt temporary home elsewhere in the Roman city.
A Stadium for Bath spokeswoman told the Chronicle: “Discussions have been held with a number of permanent stadium owner/operators.
“Detailed analysis has been undertaken on the available options, considering multiple factors including availability, security of tenure, transport and access, and impact on supporters.
“It was concluded that none of these options were viable.”
Building a temporary stadium in or near Bath with a capacity of 14,500, within 10 miles of the city centre, is now the aim.
They could even build their temporary ground within the shadows of The Rec on the east side of the current venue.
The Stadium for Bath spokeswoman added: “We have assessed several sites in detail and have held discussions with land owners.
“The preferred option, taking into account of all considerations, including infrastructure, access and planning is the Rec.”