Rugby clubs rule out merger

Both clubs say "there is no outcome to report" from the talks

Bristol and Bath Rugby Clubs have each issued statements saying talks between them are over.

Bristol's owner Malcolm Pearce says if negotiations break down with a consortium which wants to buy the club he will guarantee the team will continue to play next season.

The possibility of a merger between Bristol and Bath had receded but now with both clubs confirming all talks are over, any remaining speculation that Mr Pearce might buy Bath has ended.

The issue now is who will own Bristol next season.

Two former club captains, Nigel Pomphry and Alan Morley, are heading a consortium which wants to take over from Malcolm Pearce.

Supporters' trust

They want to buy the club on behalf of a group of local business people and fans.

On Wednesday, Mr Pearce said he hoped the sale of the club would be completed within weeks.

But in his latest statement he said if talks with all those interested fall through he would remain in charge, guaranteeing a team will play at the Memorial Stadium next season in National League One.

More than 300 Bristol rugby fans attended a meeting at the Memorial Stadium on Thursday night to try to thrash out a future for their beleaguered club.

They voted to look into the possibility of setting up a supporters' trust.

'Appropriate development'

The Bath club's statement says the discussions have led to much speculation about the future of Bath rugby.

"Chief Executive Andrew Brownsword's objective remains to develop a successful club under the name and colours of Bath Rugby which plays at the Recreation Ground.

"This objective does, of course, depend on the support of the local council for appropriate development of the Rec.

"We are now firmly focused on the Parker Pen Challenge Cup final and on securing an appropriate squad for next season's campaign in the Zurich Premiership."