NEWPORT Gwent Dragons will move their Guinness PRO12 derby clash against Cardiff Blues to another ground in the region.

The Dragons have to shift the fixture on Saturday, May 6 (kick-off 5.15pm) because it clashes with Newport County's League Two encounter with Notts County.

The clash was problematic because they are season finales with all six Guinness PRO12 and all 12 League Two fixtures taking place simultaneously to ensure fairness to all clubs with something to play for.

The Exiles have primacy of tenure under English Football League rules so the rugby had to move.

They have opted against attempting to switch the fixture to the capital and will instead choose between the options closer to home with Cross Keys' Pandy Park and Ebbw Vale's Eugene Cross Park the leading candidates.

The Dragons had the former as a contingency plan for their Anglo-Welsh Cup clash with Newcastle last month while the home of the Steelmen was used for a friendly against Northampton in 2014.

Their training base at Ystrad Mynach, which has been used for friendlies and British and Irish Cup fixtures, is too small to host senior competitive fixtures as the capacity is 1,500 and couldn't accommodate the Dragons' season ticket holder.

"This is an unfortunate situation and compounds what has already been a very challenging season in respect of the ground share arrangement," said chief executive Stuart Davies.

"As soon as the Dragons' fixtures were announced in June, and before a ball was kicked this season, we asked Newport County to liaise with the English Football League over re-arranging their game, given the importance to us of the Blues match.

"Their initial response was very positive, but only recently have details of their efforts in that respect become apparent, as has the intransigence of the EFL on this issue.

"Given the provisions within the licence agreement governing such situations, I can confirm that we will now be seeking an alternative venue for the Dragons' match against the Blues.

"As disappointing as this situation is however, it gives us the chance to take a game of huge standing into the region.

"I'm sure this will be very well received and could be a forerunner of similar arrangements for certain games in the future.

"I have had brief chats with a number of clubs in the region and their response has been excellent.

"We shall now work on the detail and liaise with various stakeholders before making a final decision on where it is to be played."

The Dragons must now establish which venue is most suitable in terms of catering for supporters, hospitality clients, sponsors and media along with PRO12 obligations.

Newport RFC's home Principality Premiership fixture against Cross Keys will also be moved from the Saturday.