By Dai
October 13 2003

Proposals to build a new stadium at Sardis Road are understood to have been rejected by the trustees of Pontypridd RFC a move which could see the end of top class rugby at Sardis Road in the future.

Pontypridd trustees reject stadium offer

    The trustees of Pontypridd RFC have rejected an offer from Leighton Samuel to build a new stadium at Sardis Road and use it as the home of the Celtic Warriors. When Pontypridd RFC recently went into administration, the 99 year lease on Sardis Road reverted to the trustees and we understand that when approached with an offer from Samuel to build a new Warriors home on Sardis Road they refused.

    The consequences of this could prove devastating for the town in the future as we could see all games moved away from Sardis Road in future years possibly to the Brewery Field until a new stadium is built. We understand that an option that is now being considered by Samuel is to build a new stadium in Llantrisant or in another area that is part of the region but one option that is unlikely is that the Brewery Field will become the permanent home of the Warriors. Despite the fact that the Brewery Field has been developed into a very good ground, the attendances at the Brewery Field over the last few seasons have been disappointing and so there isn't enough income being generated from the stadium to make it a worthwhile exercise upgrading it.

   In recent weeks we have heard unconfirmed rumours that Tesco are considering buying the Brewery Field from Leighton Samuel with a view of using the site to expand their Bridgend store and if we hear anything that supports this rumour we will let you know.