London Irish chief executive Bob Casey says the club have taken a big step towards making " a return to our roots in London ".

The Exiles have played at Madejski Stadium in Reading since 2000 but want to move to Brentford Community Stadium, GetReading reports .

The club's bid was boosted on Thursday, February 9, when Hounslow Council approved their application to allow rugby to be played at the new 20,000 seater stadium.

The club is planning to share the new stadium with Brentford Football Club when it opens in 2019.

London Irish fans at The Madejski Stadium.

Mr Casey said: "The council's decision last night is very encouraging news for London Irish and is a further step towards a return to our roots in London.

"The ability for a professional rugby club to also play at the new Brentford Community Stadium has always been a desire of the football club.

"London Irish share common values and a community ethos with Brentford FC which augers well for a future commercial relationship.

"We now look forward to taking our discussions with Brentford FC to the next stage so that all can look forward to the stadium's completion and opening by the 2019/2020 season."

The rugby club submitted in October 2016 their formal planning application to allow rugby at the stadium.

A spokesman for Brentford FC said: "Brentford Football Club very much welcomes this positive decision to allow rugby to be played at the new stadium.

"Progress on the implementation of the Brentford Community Stadium project is continuing apace and physical works are expected to commence on the Lionel Road South site shortly."

The stadium is due to be completed by the 2019/20 season.

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