Shoguns get support from football neighbours
March 9, 2003

Bristol Rovers chairman Geoff Dunford insists top-flight rugby should remain in the city.

The Pirates currently share their Memorial Stadium ground with Zurich Premiership side Bristol Shoguns, but the rugby club's outgoing chairman Malcolm Pearce has recently reiterated his fears that rugby is not commercially viable in Bristol.

The Shoguns are reported to be considering switching elsewhere in an attempt to attract bigger crowds and have been linked with a move to Oxford's Kassam Stadium, which recently staged the Powergen Cup semi-final encounter between Northampton and London Irish.

But Dunford told Rovers' official website www.bristolrovers.co.uk: "The rugby club is a Bristol institution and should remain so. They have served the city of Bristol since 1888 and given much pleasure to the rugby fraternity of this city and there should be no question of them moving from their home.

"Bristol Rovers have been through the same crisis when we moved to Bath. We have great sympathy for them. Indeed, many of our supporters are also fans of the rugby club. We will be receptive to any scheme from the club which will enable them to stay in Bristol and play at the Memorial Stadium.

"Bristol Rovers will support Malcolm Pearce or any new owner to ensure the club remains in Bristol for the benefit of their supporters. The door will always be open at the Memorial Stadium for the club, be it as a tenant or business partner. It is their spiritual home and they belong there."

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