NEWPORT RFC director Tony Brown has urged shareholders to back the Welsh Rugby Union’s proposed deal for the Dragons and Rodney Parade, stating that he believes it is the only way for rugby to prosper at the historic ground.

An EGM has been called for Tuesday, May 9 in which 75 per cent of votes cast are required to give the green light to the deal with the governing body.

Brown, who was inducted into the Black and Ambers’ hall of fame in 2012, has written to shareholders urging them to trust the WRU to look after the interests of Newport, the Dragons and the famous venue.

“My association with Newport started in 1997, when my only thought was to put a bit of self belief back into the town, which was going through an economically difficult time,” said Brown.

“My initial investment in the club amounted to about £4million, which I turned into shares or wrote off when I left the Board.

“I subsequently returned when the club was going through a difficult financial time and together with Martyn Hazell put in a further £5.5million to keep the Newport Gwent Dragons and Newport afloat.

“Despite being a majority shareholder, I shaped the articles of the company in such a way that a decision of this significance sat with the shareholders.

“I felt such a provision was in the best interests of all, just as I am certain now that what we are proposing is in the best interests of all.

“We have not reached this conclusion by chance. It is the product of two years of many challenging board meetings and difficult decisions being taken to evolve it to this point, once we accepted that the current business model was not working and would ultimately fail.

“Both Martyn and myself are over 80 and are anxious to cut back on our responsibilities. Before doing so, we have explored multiple options whilst trying to ensure a successful Dragons, a secure Newport RFC, protection of the venue and the continuation of professional rugby in Gwent at Rodney Parade.

“In that respect, the Welsh Rugby Union became our preferred option rather than a choice of last resort, and I truly believe that they are doing this with the best of intentions.

“In fact, they are in my opinion best placed to make a success of the Dragons, and in doing so ensure that rugby for all continues at Rodney Parade.

“It is a wonderful ground with a great history that none of us want to see disappear. In my firm opinion, the proposal to hand is the best.

“It provides a future for both teams and the possibility for a relationship that can prosper on its new footing. It is my parting wish that we are able to proceed with it.

“To turn down the WRU proposals would very sadly mean the end of rugby at Rodney Parade.”