Blues may be forced from the Arms Park
CARDIFF Blues are set to play away from the Arms Park when rugby returns.
Chief executive Richard Holland told fans alternative playing and training arrangements are being sought as their iconic home in the Welsh capital is playing a supporting role to the Dragon’s Heart field hospital at the Principality Stadium next door.
That contract could be renewed until the end of October as part of a contingency plan to cover a potential second spike in Covid-19 during the autumn, meaning the Blues potentially wouldn’t be able to play there into next season.
In a letter to supporters, Holland said an announcement on rugby’s return is imminent in the coming days.
The current plan being discussed behind the scenes is for the 2019/20 PRO14 to be restarted and finished in August and September.
Essentially the league season will be completed with each team playing two derby matches.
The Echo understands those games are likely to be played as behind-closed-doors double headers at the same venue, most likely Parc y Scarlets, which is expected to be decommissioned as a field hospital soon.
Going forward into next season, it’s understood the Blues will play home matches at an alternative Welsh region’s stadium if the Arms Park remains out of action.
Holland says he remains ‘confident’ the region can come through the current crisis amid weekend reports they face losing up to £6million over the coronavirus crisis.
In a newsletter to the region’s fans, he said: “There is now light at the end of the tunnel and we are hopeful that we will have more information and certainty regarding the remainder of the 2019-20 season and the new 2020-21 season in the coming days.
“When we have a timeline for the return of rugby, which will ultimately be dictated by government regulations, we will communicate further information on this topic.
“A huge amount of work has already gone into ensuring we have the relevant protocols, procedures and facilities in place to ensure we are compliant with government, World Rugby and Welsh Rugby Union regulations, when the time comes.
“Clearly, with the Arms Park still part of the Dragon’s Heart Hospital, we are unable to train or play at the ground and we have therefore sought alternative facilities and arrangements, which we will announce in due course.
“Supporting our colleagues at the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board remains a priority and Cardiff Arms Park will remain available for the greater good for as long is required.”
Reports surfaced on Sunday, following a meeting between regional chiefs and the CF10 Supporters Trust, that the Blues could expect revenue reductions of between £4m and £6m because of the health emergency.
Holland touched on the current plight of the region during lockdown, telling fans: “This global crisis has certainly had a devastating impact on Welsh rugby and we continue to face significant challenges. We are not alone in this and we have a plan in place.
“We are continuing to work with our colleagues at a PRB level to secure the immediate and long-term future of professional rugby in Wales.
“A substantial amount of work is being done and with a collective effort, I am confident we can come through these challenges together.”