First home game of the season to be held at Rodney Parade

Cardiff Blues’ chairman Alun Jones has confirmed that the first home of the Guinness Pro14 season will once again be staged at Rodney Parade in Newport.

In a wide-ranging interview with WalesOnline’s Simon Thomas, Jones stated that the 10th October fixture against Connacht would take place at the home of the Dragons, with last month’s game against Ospreys also having been played 17 miles to the east.

The Arms Park has been part of the Ysbyty Calon y Ddraig over the last six months, providing offices, storage and staff breakout areas for the field hospital on the pitch of the Principality Stadium next door, but that is now in the process of being decomissioned.

Jones revealed that, “since the coverings have come off the pitch, there has been a thorough period of investigation and we have found it will require some repair work. We are currently assessing what level of work will be required.

“It’s hoped we will be back then at the Arms Park shortly after that, however player safety has to be paramount. If the pitch requires substantial work, we have a plan B in place and will endeavour to get back home as soon as possible.”

Cardiff Blues’ next home game after the Connacht fixture will be against Ulster on Monday 2nd November, before Benetton visit two weeks later and Glasgow Warriors are scheduled to arrive on Sunday 29th November. There will then be a European home game during mid-December before Ospreys and Scarlets are hosted over the first two weekends of January.