Rugby club granted injuction to play at Meadow Lane

A high court injunction was yesterday granted to Nottingham Rugby Club, allowing them to play their pre-season friendly with Leicester Tigers at Meadow Lane. Munto Finance, the new owners at Notts County, had last week informed the rugby club that they were no longer welcome to play home matches at Meadow Lane, despite having a year left on their contract.

The playing surface at Meadow Lane was badly affected by the rugby in the winter months of last year and Ian McParland had been keen to ensure a high quality surface was maintained, although if the injunction stretches to the duration of the contract it is unlikely that this will be achievable. It does mean the relationships between the two parties are now so untenable that the chances of a new contract for rugby at Meadow Lane at the end of the season are remote.

It is believed NRFC were not paying full rent to the football club last season due to their financial hardships, whilst Notts retain all profit on food and drinks sales at rugby games.