DRAGONS and Newport chief executive Stuart Davies insists that Rodney Parade would be in safe hands if the Welsh Rugby Union is handed the keys as part of a takeover deal.

The governing body has outlined their plans to take ownership of the Dragons that would also see them buy the nine-acre ground.

The agreement needs to be given the green light by Newport RFC shareholders with an EGM set to take place next month.

The Black and Ambers would have no fixed term to keep playing at their historic ground if it is owned by the governing body, and the Friends of Newport Rugby Trust have expressed their grave concerns about the proposal.

“The supporters have been told on several occasions that Newport Rugby Club would be left debt-free,” read an FoNR statement. “Nobody ever imagined that this would be achieved by selling the ground and leaving it asset free as well.”

Davies insists that handing over control to the WRU is the best option for both the Dragons and the Newport RFC with the alternative being collapse for both entities and the end of rugby at Rodney Parade.

“We did (previously) secure (potential) investment but the terms and conditions weren’t acceptable because it brought the land into play,” said Davies.

“There is far more comfort in the sale of the land to the Union because of the assurances that they have given and the credibility of the people involved, Gareth (Davies, chairman of the WRU) being a previous CEO at Rodney Parade and Martyn (Phillips, WRU chief executive).

“In terms of Martyn Hazell and Tony Brown’s handing over of the reins, I can’t think of anyone safer to hand them over other than the Welsh Rugby Union. We see that as protecting rugby for the Dragons and Newport RFC.

“They are not property developers, they haven’t got a property play up their sleeve. They didn’t have to get involved, they are doing this because of what can be achieved and a sense of duty to the game in Gwent and Wales.”

Davies will meet with Dragons supporters tonight (THURS) and Newport fans on Monday, both events starting at 7pm in the Bisley Suite at Rodney Parade.

“It’s a really positive announcement and we are at a vitally important stage in terms of what we are trying to achieve,” said the former Wales forward.

“It’s not an end in itself, just the beginning of the end stage of what has been a challenging and lengthy process.

“At least now we can get the detail out there and do all we can so that when we get to that all-important shareholders meeting the proposal is fully understood, and the consequences of the decision.”

Any deal could also have ramifications for Newport County with the WRU keen to put down a plastic pitch at Rodney Parade, a surface that isn’t currently allowed by the Football League rules.

The Exiles have a lease to use the ground until 2023 but Phillips insists the governing body will “call the shots”.

“I haven’t talked to Newport County,” said the WRU chief executive. “We are a Union of clubs and are putting several million pounds in.

“The professional entity that we part-fund is going to play at Rodney Parade and Newport RFC play at Rodney Parade, it’s a rugby venue and we will have to pick a conversation up with Newport County about where that leaves them.

“Clearly they have a licence to play there, I am very aware of that, it’s just not a conversation we have got to yet. If we had a preference it would be to put a 4G down because we want to make it a hub for rugby in Gwent.

“I guess the fact we are sinking a few million pounds in means that we’d get to call a few of the shots in terms of what happens.”