Celtic set for Newport move

Celtic Crusaders are set to move from their Brewery Field home in Bridgend to Rodney Parade in Newport.

The Crusaders will play in Newport against Leeds on August 22 in what was originally an “on the road” match but they look likely to make the move permanent for the 2010.

Rodney Parade is home of rugby union side Newport Gwent Dragons and has a capacity of 10,000.

Crusaders’ chief executive Mike Turner said: “We’re negotiating with them at the moment.

“Hopefully within the next 10 days we’ll have a contract signed and we’ll be moving to Newport.”

However, the club are hoping to have a purpose-built stadium ready for 2012 with two possible venues in Bridgend lined up.

“There’s been a lot of work done in the last 12 months. Hopefully a 14-15,000 capacity stadium will reach fruition for the 2012 season.”

Super League‘s first Welsh side have struggled to attract fans in Bridgend, averaging much less than the break even estimate of 4,500, and last week the club were one of five top flight clubs to receive a warning letter from the RFL.

The letter stated that their Super League status is in jeopardy if their facilities are not up to scratch come the next round of licence applications in 2011.