NEWPORT Rugby Club and Gwent Rugby Limited have finally agreed on the rent for the use of Rodney Parade for the new season.

That means the final obstacle during a difficult period has been overcome and that the launch of the Gwent Dragons can go ahead on Monday as scheduled.

It also confirms the venue for all Gwent Dragons' home matches in the Celtic League and Heineken Cup will be Rodney Parade.

The dispute over the amount Gwent should pay Newport for the use of Rodney Parade had gone on for months and had caused the launch date to be put back to the end of this month.

Even then the launch had been under threat and the whole new entity had threatened to collapse because of the disagreement over rent.

But the two sides have gradually inched closer, realising they need one another, and a deal was finally struck late yesterday.

The amount is not being disclosed publicly, but it is for a four-figure sum each match, and it is also believed the deal is for two years.

"I'm delighted the outstanding issue has been resolved," said Gwent Dragons chief executive David Jenkins.

"There have been ongoing negotiations, but we have now come to an agreement over the rent which is acceptable to both sides.

"It was crucial because if this had not been resolved the launch could have been jeopardised. Now it goes ahead which is very good news.

"I always wanted to play at Rodney Parade, and now we will."

Newport director Mar-tyn Hazell appeals to supporters to get behind Gwent Dragons now the problem has been resol-ved.

"We've agreed on the rent, and the home of Gwent Dragons is Rodney Parade," he said.

"Now I want Newport supporters to get behind the new entity and make it a success. All the New-port directors are behind it.

"We've got top rugby guaranteed at Newport, now we've got to sell the season tickets."

They will also be launch-ed at Newport civic centre on Monday when the new jerseys will also be unveiled. They are based on last season's Newport away strip.