CHAIRMAN Will Godfrey believes concessions made by the Welsh Rugby Union over the purchase of Newport’s historic home represent an “attractive solution” for Black and Ambers supporters, writes Chris Kirwan.

The governing body have proposed a deal to take over Newport Gwent Dragons and Rodney Parade but it needs the approval of 75 per cent of Newport RFC shareholders on Tuesday.

Several meetings have been held with Black and Ambers supporters and shareholders in which concerns were raised about Rodney Parade still feeling like their home if the keys are handed to the WRU.

The governing body agreed to re-evaluate the deal and will now allow the Black and Ambers to use the David Watkins Suite on matchdays to raise funds while the room in the Bisley Stand that is currently an education suite can be turned into a Newport museum.

Memorabilia could be housed there and it will be available for club officials to use as a meeting room and office.

“The lack of a defined space to celebrate the club history and for supporters to congregate was seen as a significant and real concern by a number of shareholders and we are pleased and grateful therefore that the WRU have listened to and addressed the same directly,” said Godfrey.

He continued: “We believe these further concessions are welcome and when considered in the context of the price being paid by the WRU, represent an attractive solution for the company.”

The proposed deal still offers the use of Rodney Hall as a clubhouse until the end of next season along with the gym and ‘cabbage patch’.

Newport will receive a cash sum of £600,000 and be secure at Rodney Parade for as long as the ground houses a professional team, the first 10 years being rent-free.

The WRU are not able to extend the length of commitment to allowing the Black and Ambers to train on the ‘cabbage patch’ as they want to retain flexibility for improvements, alterations and development at the northern end of the site.

“The extra provisions for Newport RFC are both welcome and significant, and hopefully provide a further assurance that Rodney Parade will continue to be a home for Newport in the event of a Yes vote,” said Dragons and Newport chief executive Stuart Davies.

The board have warned that a No vote will lead to the receivers being called in and the end of rugby at Rodney Parade.