Rugby Union: Richmond stay put

RICHMOND YESTERDAY confirmed that they will continue to play at Reading FC's Madejski Stadium next season.

The Allied Dunbar Premiership club's director of sales and marketing, Malcolm Ball, said: "Stories suggesting otherwise do not come from us, and show a degree of contempt for all those who have paid to see us play this season."

He said corporate hospitality business had quadrupled, merchandise sales were up 100 per cent and turnover by 1,000 per cent in three seasons.

"Richmond in the Thames Valley is well placed to become commercially viable," he added. "We have over two million people living within 25 miles of the ground.

"It seems to me that, once the club establishes financial stability, our future in the Thames Valley is rosy."