NEW talks over the possible merger of Oxford and Oxford Harlequins rugby clubs have broken down over a disagreement as to the best possible site.

There have been on-off merger talks between the two clubs (when Harlequins were Oxford Old Boys) over the past five years, but these were put on ice when Quins and Oxford Brookes University put forward their proposals for an ambitious £2.6m Oxford Rugby Centre of Excellence on a new site in Horspath Road.

This however, depended on a lottery grant of £2m, but in February they learned that their application had failed.

Harlequins chairman Ron MacDonald contacted Oxford with a proposal that the clubs should join together in a new lottery bid, with a view to merging later.

"We're still committed to a Centre of Excellence at Horspath Road," explained MacDonald, who is convinced that a new site is the best option.

"All the other grounds could have their problems with planning, access or lease," he explained. The sticking point between the clubs came when Oxford insisted that, if the second lottery bid failed, the most viable alternative would be to develop their own Southern Bypass ground.

In a letter to MacDonald, David Bagnall, the Oxford chairman, said: "It does appear to us that your total rejection of the Southern Bypass as a possible site, in the absence of lottery money, is short-sighted.

"The total area, including the St Peter's Sports Ground, is now leased by ourselves for up to ten sides and without enormous sums of money being spent on it.

"The buildings (with the exception of the St Peter College pavilion) do need totally rebuilding, but at least it would be on land which would be owned by the new club.

"However, I am advised by my committee to advise you that if you cannot accept this alternative suggestion, then there would be little purpose in proceeding with the proposed merger."

Harlequins and Brookes have been in talks with the Sports Council, who are giving them advice as they prepare a new lottery bid.

Story date: Wednesday 28 April

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