FoNR welcome the development of Rodney Parade. We have been consulted throughout the process and continue to have regular meetings with Rodney Parade Ltd. Our ideas have been welcomed and many of our requests and suggestions have been taken on board and incorporated into the submitted planning application. We are extremely pleased that an area of terracing has been included in the plans and that the Memorial Gates will be repositioned to comprise one of the main entrances to the redesigned stadium. We have also lobbied for the memorabilia that upholds the proud tradition of Newport RFC to be given a prominent public display and we have received assurances that this will happen.

The development of Rodney Parade will always be an emotive subject, however it is clear that the existing stadium is in need of modernisation and the opportunity to remain at Rodney Parade, whilst seeing improvements in the stadium is one that FoNR very much welcome. We recognise that with two teams currently playing out of RP that opinions can be polarised and that this is a source of anxiety to some supporters. We are, however, satisfied that the investment in the redeveloped stadium is going to be managed in a sensible and prudent way. The stadium will evolve in phases, which will commence at the “Scoreboard” end with a new stand, clubhouse, training barn and other facilities. The phased approach will enable decisions to be made (e.g. prevailing economic conditions etc) at the right time without committing to a wholesale redevelopment in one go. Should it be necessary to sell any land to finance any of the redevelopment it is the understanding of FoNR that this proposal would be put before the shareholders to approve.

The way in which the WRU currently structure Regional and Club rugby has increased pressures on the premier teams. FoNR are taking a very active role in ensuring that Newport RFC are able to survive despite this structure and it is our view that the redevelopment of the ground is likely help achieve this objective. It is highly unlikely that Newport RFC could generate enough income to remain playing at Rodney Parade if the regional team were not based here. Furthermore, not only will the redevelopment help in financial terms but it will also bring with it massive benefits to the playing squads of both sides. The training barn and gymnasiums will provide considerable improvements to the existing facilities that all players currently use. It is hoped that this will help with the continued development of our existing players, it should also help in the future recruitment of players to Newport RFC as well as the regional team.

Looking further ahead, later phases of the planned redevelopment include accommodation, retail outlets and conference facilities and these income streams will help to ensure the continued presence of Newport RFC at Rodney Parade for years to come. The redevelopment will take away much of the current dependence placed upon receipts generated from the Newport Gwent Dragons either through the turnstiles or from the annual payment from the WRU. To put this into context, it is a fact that the monies generated through the gates, season tickets and walk-ups etc for both teams amounts to less than 10% of the total income – This is why other forms of income are so important going forward.

FoNR exists to help promote rugby at Rodney Parade and also in the local community. We primarily focus our energies on Newport RFC, but we acknowledge the place that the Newport Gwent Dragons hold in the current WRU set up.

We would like to thank all of our members for their continued support and urge all rugby supporters at Rodney Parade to join us. We are making a difference, we do have a voice that is not just heard, but listened to. Our input is sought after by the board not just accepted. Together we can make a difference and ensure that Rugby at Rodney Parade becomes a financially viable proposition, and that the great name and proud traditions of Newport RFC can be maintained.