LATEST NEWS AFTER CARDIFF BLUES LINKED WITH MOVE
CARDIFF Blues have revealed the promises they have made to the Arms Park owners over the name of the team and why they are in arrears on the rent.
The Blues have been seeking a longterm, 150-year lease extension on the ground which would enable them to go ahead with ambitious redevelopment plans.
But, after 10 years of negotiations, they are still no closer reaching agreement with the owners, Cardiff Athletic Club (CAC).
As a result, with just four years left on their existing lease, they have now decided to explore options for moving away from the Arms Park to a new home.
In turn, the CAC have revealed there are “significant arrears of rent” outstanding from the Blues, which they say has not assisted recent discussions.
The key stumbling block in the negotiations appears to have been heritage issues, with the CAC seeking an absolute guarantee that the Cardiff name will be retained in the title of the regional side.
Now Cardiff Blues chief executive Richard Holland has written to supporters to outline the heritage and financial commitments which he says have been made.
“I am sure you have all seen the statement issued regarding negotia- tions with Cardiff Athletic Club over the granting of a new 150-year lease at Cardiff Arms Park,” he said.
“It was not a decision taken lightly, but Cardiff Blues can simply do no more to reach an agreement.
“Negotiations with CAC have been going on for 10 years and at great legal costs, which recently we have picked up for both parties.
“Throughout the negotiations I have been involved in during the last six years, we have agreed to the majority, if not all, of the Athletic Club’s requests, including comprehensive protections around the heritage – the Cardiff name, the colours, the Gwyn Nicholls Gates, a museum and more.
“Included in the last wave of negotiations was an offer of an £8m payment. It appeared that all parties had reached agreement.
“However, at the 11th hour, CAC turned the proposal down, which is incredibly frustrating following such a long period of protracted, expensive and positive negotiations.”
On the rent issue, he said: “I can confirm we are in arrears on rent due to CAC, which is down to cash-flow challenges, but this has always, and will always, be paid albeit sometimes late.
“This was discussed as a matter of priority at Monday’s board meeting and the board agreed a solution to ensure full payment of the rental arrears. I would like to thank CAC for their support and understanding.
“I must reiterate that it has always been our preference to remain at Cardiff Arms Park and, should CAC provide us a proposal, then we will always listen to it.
“However, as a company, we can do no more and, with just four years left on the lease, we must protect the future of professional rugby in Cardiff.
“Having tried for the last 10 years to extend the lease, the board must act now to explore options for a new stadium or the alternative is to run the risk that we are homeless in 2022.
“There are a number of exciting opportunities, which we will now pursue, to ensure Cardiff Blues have a long-term, fit-for-purpose home and thus a long-term future.”
Meanwhile, the search for a coach to replace the Wasps-bound Danny Wilson continues.
“The number one priority at the moment is on securing a new head coach for the 2018-19 season and beyond,” he said.
“I’m very pleased to say we are making good progress and are being supported through the process by the Welsh Rugby Union.
“The emphasis has been on ensuring we secure the best possible candidate, who is the right fit for Cardiff Blues and the criteria we require.
“We are in the latter stages of negotiations with a number of candidates.”