Ospreys Maintain Gnoll Link

By Paul
September 3 2004

Neath-Swansea Ospreys will continue to play at least some of their games in Neath, with plans in place to re-develop the Gnoll and host around five games there.

Having confirmed they would be playing at least thirteen of their home games at the new Morfa stadium, managing director Mike Cuddy confirmed that five more games would possibly be played at Neaths' Gnoll ground.

"When reaching initial agreement over the playing arrangements for next season, it seemed clear that we needed to strike the right balance between the commercial interests of the Ospreys and the use of the new Morfa
stadium.

"In order for the stadium, commercially, to be a resounding success, we obviously needed to ensure that the majority of our games, would be played at what will be a truly world class facility. Equally, we were aware that
there were games in the rugby calendar that would be inappropriate to be played at Morfa due to the size of the anticipated crowd and the resultant costs of manning the stadium.

"By splitting games between Morfa and the Gnoll, the Ospreys will be able to effectively manage commercial pressures and interests, whilst keeping a strong element of regional rugby at the Gnoll which, on current projections, will see around five games played in Neath next season."

Chief executive Andrew Donald added:

"With a year to go before the new Morfa Stadium is up and running the Ospreys are now talking to potential sponsors in preparation for the 2005/2006 season. As part of these negotiations, the biggest question coming back at us was how many games would the Ospreys be playing at the stadium and our position now answers this question.

"By operating a dual stadium system, emulating the likes of Munster and Toulouse, we will be making the most of Morfa, its facilities and commercial opportunities, whilst also making the most appropriate use of the Gnoll. As
a result, redevelopment will continue at the Gnoll over the next season, to ensure a crowd capacity of around 12,000.

"With our supporters consultation exercise now well underway and with the opening of the stadium so close at hand, we will keep a watching brief on the policy and are prepared to make changes, where necessary, in the interests of both the Ospreys and regional rugby. Commercial interests will ultimately and logically determine the level of matches to be played at each available ground."