Bath in ‘serious discussions’ to play in Reading

August 11, 2026 No Comments

Bath in ‘serious discussions’ to play in ReadingImage source, ShutterstockImage caption, Reading’s stadium used to be the home of London IrishPublished55 minutes agoBath have had “serious discussions” about playing two of their 2026-27 games at Reading’s Select Car Leasing Stadium, Royals owner Rob Couhig has mentioned.Bath verified they will play their final two home games of the Prem season away from the Recreation Ground to enable construction work to begin as part of a redevelopment. Couhig, who took over as Reading owner in May 2025, mentioned the League One club have had talks with Bath but would not disclose how far they have progressed.”The stadium is well equipped for it, they would be foolish to not try and pursue us,” the American told BBC Radio Berkshire.BBC Sport has contacted Bath for comment.Bath to go on the road for Prem season run-in

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Bath’s games against Harlequins on the weekend of 15 May and Saracens on 5 June are scheduled to be moved, and if the club were to reach the Prem semi-finals and secure a home tie next June, that fixture would also be played away from the Rec.

The club’s owners say the plans are being accelerated to ensure the redevelopment is completed for the start of the 2028-29 Prem campaign.

Reading’s final home game of the upcoming season is against Sheffield Wednesday on 1 May. However, they would be due to host another match that month if they reach the League One play-offs.

Their ground has been regularly used for rugby in the past, having been the home of London Irish between 2000 to 2020.

Couhig highlighted a number of changes and upgrades which have been made at the SCL Stadium this summer – including to the stands and a new pitch which has been laid – as factors that make a possible agreement with Bath feasible.

“This pitch is built in a way that it could handle that and recover very quickly [from rugby],” Couhig mentioned.

“Our football team is the first priority tenant and we would make sure it is handled the right way.”

He added that any money generated would be reinvested in the football team.

“Let’s say we did something with Bath Rugby, then we’d be allowed additional money under the SCMP [salary cost management protocol] to spend on our football players,” he mentioned.

Bath in ‘serious discussions’ to play in Reading

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