THE Friends of Newport Rugby have requested a meeting with Rodney Parade chiefs over ‘grave concerns’ that the Black and Ambers might sell their historic home.

The Welsh Rugby Union are on the brink of taking over Newport Gwent Dragons, who announced last April that they were seeking further investment.

The governing body are currently joint owners of the Dragons with Newport RFC and are set to become more heavily involved – although the fine details of the takeover is still being thrashed out and is ever-changing.

The Argus understands that part of the proposed plans would involve the WRU buying Rodney Parade, such a deal paying off loans owed to Newport board members.

Such an arrangement would require shareholders at the Black and Ambers to be involved in the process but there are severe fears about the long-term future of the 142-year-old club.

“Friends of Newport Rugby are gravely concerned about the future of Newport RFC and the potential sale of its assets,” read a statement from the Trust.

“With the recent press articles, social media speculation and comments from Newport RFC and Dragons CEO Stuart Davies, FoNR have requested meetings with Stuart, the Newport RFC Board and most recently the WRU CEO Martyn Phillips and chairman Gareth Davies.

“The rejection of a meeting by the CEO of Newport RFC and the lack of reply from the Newport RFC board is worrying, especially when the WRU CEO and chairman have arranged to meet FoNR.

“This lack of communication with the club could lead to the assumption that decisions are being made concerning Newport RFC, which are not in the best interests of the club.

“FoNR have gifted over £250,000 to support Rodney Parade and Newport RFC over the last decade and the fact that the CEO and board are ignoring the opportunity to discuss the situation is very disappointing.

“FoNR will continue to request for the detail of the current negotiations to be shared so that we can act in the best interests of Newport RFC.

“If required FoNR will seek legal advice on behalf of shareholders and supporters of Newport RFC so that we get the best outcome for our world famous club.

“Now is the time for supporters to get behind our club before it is too late. We need to ensure Newport RFC keeps its home, identity and assets.”

Davies has not commented on details of the search for investment since the start of the process and insists that he is happy to discuss ramifications once a deal is done and his staff have been informed.

“I am very mindful of all the speculation and interest around what is happening but we have nothing definitive to discuss or announce at the moment,” said the chief executive of both Newport and the Dragons.

“I fully recognise how important the Friends of Newport Rugby and the Dragons Supporters Club are as stakeholders, and have explained to both organisations that I will be happy to speak to them at length at the appropriate time, and take all their questions.

“However, drip feeding information about an ever-changing process and sensitive issue such as this is not beneficial to anyone.

“It is also the case that when we have something definitive, I wish to advise the squad and the staff before anything is made public.

“I cannot comment on the nature of the FoNR’s proposed meeting with the WRU or what will be discussed, but it is my sincere hope that we will be able to provide a full update to everyone in the very near future.”