Rugby could return to Reading FC this season with Bath RFC

London Irish played top-tier rugby at the Select Car Leasing Stadium (then Madejski Stadium) for two decades from 2000
Outside the Madejski Stadium. Photo: Neil Graham.
Outside the Madejski Stadium. Photo: Neil Graham.

Not the sort of thing we’d usually report on, but enough to puiqe our interest – top level rugby could return to Reading this season according to a report in The Times.

Albeit temporarily, according to Will Kelleher, Bath’s final two Gallagher Premiership home games and possibly a play-off semi-final will be played away from the club’s historic Recreation Ground this season.

This is because the ground is due to be rebuilt in time for the start of the 2028/29 campaign, meaning a temporary move is required – although the report adds the club will be able to play their home games at The Rec during the 2027/28 season.

Grounds in Bristol have been ruled out in part due to potential EFL Championship play-offs and club rivalries, meaning that, according to The Times, Reading’s Select Car Leasing Stadium is top of the list having previously hosted London Irish for two decades.

Options for Bath are limited in the West Country and closer grounds at Swindon Town and Oxford United are considerably smaller than Reading’s 24,000-seat capacity.

The full piece is on The Times website here (Paywall).

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