NEWPORT Gwent Dragons and Newport County face an end of season fixture clash with Rodney Parade double-booked for their respective season finales.

The Guinness PRO12 regular season ends with all six games taking place on Saturday, May 6 and Cardiff Blues heading to Newport for a 5.15pm kick-off.

However, the Sky Bet League Two campaign also concludes on that date with the Exiles' home date with Notts County one of 12 clashes supposed to be getting under way at 3pm.

Both leagues have all fixtures taking place at the same time to ensure fairness to all clubs with something to play for.

County and the Magpies are both currently battling for League Two survival while Cardiff Blues could be aiming to secure European Rugby Champions Cup qualification.

Something will have to give and the Argus understands that the Exiles have been asked to shift their encounter with the men from Meadow Lane but they will need special dispensation.

An English Football League statement said: "Our expectation is that all games will be played simultaneously and we are in contact with the club".

A PRO12 statement said: "At this point in time the information we have is that Newport Gwent Dragons have priority for the stadium on the day".

The Dragons attract the biggest crowds to Rodney Parade, which is owned by Newport RFC, and would be hoping for a bumper attendance to end the season against their fiercest foes.

However, the Exiles have primacy of tenancy at the ground because of Football Association rules.

At the end of last season Rodney Parade chiefs expressed their hope to be granted designated football and rugby weekends but such requests fell on deaf ears.

There has previously been a double-header at Rodney Parade but that was possible because the Dragons' European Challenge Cup quarter-final against Cardiff Blues in 2015 was followed by Newport entertaining Cross Keys.

The swift turnaround from football to rugby and respective crowd sizes, safety and stewarding requirements would make that a no-goer in May.

The Dragons hierarchy have previously expressed their preference for Friday night fixtures but, after consultation with broadcasters, the final decision on all dates is down to PRO12 chiefs.