Bath Rugby Considers Select Car Leasing Stadium for 2026-27 Matches
Bath Rugby has engaged in serious discussions with Reading's Select Car Leasing Stadium regarding the possibility of playing two of their 2026-27 games at the venue, according to Royals owner Rob Couhig. As part of ongoing redevelopment efforts, Bath confirmed they would play their final two home games of the Prem season away from the Recreation Ground. Couhig revealed that while talks have occurred, he did not disclose the extent of their progress, emphasizing the stadium's capabilities. Key dates for Bath's games: - Against Harlequins on the weekend of 15 May - Against Saracens on 5 June If Bath reaches the Prem semi-finals and secures a home tie next June, that match would also be relocated. The club aims to accelerate redevelopment plans to ensure completion by the start of the 2028-29 Prem campaign. Reading's final home match of the upcoming season takes place against Sheffield Wednesday on 1 May, with the potential for another match if they qualify for the League One play-offs. Couhig noted the stadium's history of hosting rugby, citing its previous use by London Irish from 2000 to 2020. He highlighted recent upgrades, including improvements to the stands and a new pitch, as crucial for accommodating Bath Rugby. “This pitch is built in a way that it could handle that and recover very quickly [from rugby],” Couhig stated, reaffirming that Reading's football team remains the primary tenant. He added that any revenue generated from a potential agreement would be reinvested into the football team, allowing for additional spending under the SCMP (salary cost management protocol) for player acquisitions.
Source: BBC Sport - 2026-08-11