Challenge Cup match moved due to 'unsafe state of playing surface'

European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) confirmed that it has been decided to move the venue of the Challenge Cup, Round four fixture between the Dragons and the Lions.

The fixture scheduled to take place at Rodney Parade in Newport will move to the CCB Centre for Sporting Excellence in Ystrad Mynach.

Following consultation between Dragons and EPCR, the decision was taken to change the venue due to the unsafe state of the Rodney Parade playing surface.

The Dragons said in statement that: “Despite the best efforts of ground staff preparing for the current cold weather conditions with frost covers deployed in the week, the playing surface is currently deemed unplayable by officials.

“The decision has now been taken that the match will no longer take place at Rodney Parade. With further low temperatures forecast overnight, and it cannot be guaranteed the situation will improve. Certainty is required for players, staff, and all supporters.”

The Pool B encounter will still be played as scheduled on Sunday, January 22 with an unchanged kick-off of 13.00 (13.00 GMT; 15.00 SA time).

No decision has yet been made on ticketing, but given that the CCB Centre for Sporting Excellence has a capacity of 1,000, it is likely many fans will be left disappointed.

“The club has worked quickly with EPCR to confirm the move to an alternative venue.

“A further update on ticketing access for this game will be made in due course later today. We thank supporters for their understanding and patience during this process.”