Brentford have welcomed London Irish starting exploratory discussions with Hounslow Council over a potential groundshare at the Bees' future Lionel Road ground.
The club were granted planning permission for the site in December 2013 and Brentford took a significant step towards building their new ground earlier this month when the council activated the compulsory purchase order.
Under the terms of the original planning agreement, the playing of professional rugby is prohibited however this was because the club have not been in any partnership with a club, necessitating talks between London Irish and the council.
A club statement: “Brentford Football Club’s vision is to have a new 20,000-seat Brentford Community Stadium for both professional football and rugby, subject to the relevant planning permissions.
“Over a number of years, the new stadium project team has held discussions with several rugby clubs, one of which is London Irish.
“We understand that the club has a long term aspiration to move back nearer to its roots at some stage and to play home games in the west London area again.
“With that in mind, London Irish started formal discussions with London Borough of Hounslow on 15th August to explore the potential to play rugby at Brentford Community Stadium.
“Brentford Football Club welcomes these exploratory discussions with the council.”
Irish confirmed the news yesterday that they had opened talks with Hounslow Council but insisted they will review all available options to them.
A club statement read: “Over the past decade London Irish has been linked with a number of possible stadium developments in London as the club kept the possibility of returning to its roots in the capital under consideration.
“Numerous discussions have taken place with a variety of clubs over the last five years with a view to a possible ground share or joint stadium development.
“Brentford Football Club, who are well advanced with their own plans for a new 20,000 seat stadium in west London, is one of the clubs concerned.
“As an initial step in assessing this option, London Irish has today (15th August) begun formal discussions with the London Borough of Hounslow to explore the potential to play rugby at the new stadium.
“London Irish will continue to review all options and keep its supporters and stakeholders informed.”
The rugby club were relegated from the Premiership last season and will be looking to return to the top flight at the first attempt. They currently play at Reading's Madejski Stadium.
Hounslow Council have also welcomed the talks and will be working closely with all parties to ensure it reaches a satisfying conclusion.
Councillor Steve Curran, Leader of Hounslow Council said; “The new stadium is an exciting development that will be a real boost to Brentford and to the borough as a whole.
“Having a major rugby club based there as well as Brentford Football Club would be a real bonus, and London Irish are a fantastic club that has a track record of building strong links with the community and local schools.
“The Council will work closely with all concerned to ensure a successful outcome.”
