London Irish and Reading Football Club announced today (10th May) that they have signed a contract whereby London Irish will play all its home games at the Madejski Stadium for the next seven years.

The contract follows the successful completion of London Irish's first season at Reading's superb stadium during which the club has recorded the best home attendances in its 102-year history. Over 73,000 fans came to the club's 14 home matches with a record 12.037 attending the St Patrick's Day fixture against Northampton Saints.

Both clubs have agreed to jointly invest £350,000 in the installation of a new playing surface for next season. The "Desso" pitch system is designed to ensure a high quality playing surface for both sports. Similar pitches have already been installed to good effect at other Zurich Premiership rugby and football grounds, including Vicarage Road, Watford and Loftus Road in London.

The new contract also makes provision for joint development of other facilities at the stadium including social amenities.

Announcing the new contract, Geoff Read, Chairman of London Irish said "After playing at three different 'home' grounds in the three seasons, we need to bring stability to London Irish. By committing to the Madejski for seven years we will be able to develop real relationships with rugby fans and the wider community throughout the Thames Valley from west London to Newbury. We are grateful to John Madejski and all his colleagues at Reading FC for the co-operation and friendship that has made this agreement possible."

John Madejski, Chairman of Reading FC, said "London Irish has proved to be good business partners and friends in their first season with us. They share our vision for developing sport in the wider community and have invested considerably in doing so. I am delighted that they want to put down roots with us and bring their own special brand of sport and entertainment to the Thames Valley."