Rugby games to be held at stadium

The clubs began their ground-sharing arrangement three years ago

Nottingham Rugby Club has won a court battle in a row over a ground-sharing agreement involving Notts County FC's Meadow Lane stadium.

The High Court in London has ruled a pre-season friendly against Leicester Tigers on 15 August can go ahead.

The judge also ruled Notts County's claims for terminating the contract, on the grounds of the rugby club's "insolvency", were unfounded.

Nottingham Rugby Club will now play its season's games at Meadow Lane.

Notts County's new owner Munto Finance had said the ground-share agreement was not suitable for a club aiming to play top-flight football.

Notts County regrets any detrimental effects the ruling may have on its progress and its own drive for promotion Football club statement

The clubs entered into the arrangement when they both faced financial difficulties in 2006.

The football club said the agreement had had a serious impact on the playing surface at Meadow Lane.

In a statement Notts County said it was disappointed with the judgement.

It reads: "Due to the close relationship both clubs have enjoyed over many years, Notts County FC has been clear that it never wished to hinder professional rugby in the region and had, at every stage, offered to help the rugby club to find alternative accommodation which would suit the requirements and aspirations of both clubs.

"Notts County will abide by the court ruling but regrets any detrimental effects the ruling may have on its progress and its own drive for promotion this coming season."

A spokesman for the rugby club said it now had 12 months to look for a new ground and was actively looking at options for its home games from the 2010-11 season which will be discussed at a board meeting next week.

Nottingham Rugby Club has faced a series of problems and had to launch an emergency fundraising appeal last season.

Last week Munto Finance, a Middle East-based consortium, appointed former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson as director of football at Notts County.

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