BRENTFORD FC say they “welcome” the news that London Irish are exploring the possibility of sharing their new stadium.
Irish announced yesterday that they are considering leaving Berkshire in favour of a return to the capital.
The Exiles have been playing home matches at Reading FC’s Madejski Stadium since 2000 and last year reaffirmed their intention to continue playing there until the end of the contract in 2026.
The club have confirmed that they are in negotiations with Hounslow council about a potential new site which could include a ground-share with Brentford FC.
The statement read: “Over the past decade London Irish has been linked with a number of possible stadium developments in London as the club kept the possibility of returning to its roots in the capital under consideration.
“Numerous discussions have taken place with a variety of clubs over the last five years with a view to a possible ground share or joint stadium development.
“Brentford Football Club, who are well advanced with their own plans for a new 20,000 seat stadium in west London, is one of the clubs concerned.
“As an initial step in assessing this option, London Irish has today (15th August) begun formal discussions with the London Borough of Hounslow to explore the potential to play rugby at the new stadium.
“London Irish will continue to review all options and keep its supporters and stakeholders informed.”
Brentford have been attempted to move venues since 2002 and after a major breakthrough in 2014, the stadium is due to be complete in 2018.
And the club have since responded to suggest the possibility of sharing with the Exiles would not be a bad thing.
They said: “Brentford FC’s vision is to have a new 20,000-seat Brentford Community Stadium for both professional football and rugby, subject to relevant planning permission.
“Over a number of years, the new stadium project team has held discussions with several rugby clubs, one of which is London Irish.
“We understand that the club has a long term aspiration to move back nearer to its roots at some stage and to play home games in the west London area again.
“Brentford Football Club welcomes London Irish’s exploratory discussions with (Hounslow) council.”
