A new £40m rugby stadium is set to be built on the site of Rodney Parade in central Newport.

The 15,000-capacity arena – home to Newport RFC and the Newport Gwent Dragons – will provide new training facilities and a clubhouse.

Subject to planning permission, the new stadium will open in time for the start of the 2010 season.

Welsh Rugby Union group chief executive Roger Lewis said: ”This new home for rugby will drive the game forward with the vigour which has helped Rodney Parade become a world famous citadel for sporting success.

“Rugby defines us as a nation and Rodney Parade has a proud place in the history of Welsh and UK sport. The new stadium will boast excellent facilities and that will ensure rugby continues to attract a large and loyal following both on and off the field here in the south east of Wales.”

Newport City Council, Newport Gwent Dragons, Newport RFC, the Welsh Rugby Union, developer Edward Ware, consultants Gleeds and sports and leisure architects S&P have been working on the project.

The stadium will comprise part of a £50m mixed-use, riverside development comprising residential housing, retail outlets and hotels. Details: www.s-parchitects.com