Bath in 'serious discussions' to play rugby matches at Reading

What the report says

Reading owner Rob Couhig says the League One club have held “serious discussions” with Bath Rugby about the Premiership side using the Select Car Leasing Stadium for matches. The talks come as Bath prepare to play their final two home league games of the current season away from the Recreation Ground, part of plans to speed up redevelopment work at their own ground.

According to BBC Sport, Bath’s proposed temporary move could involve two fixtures in the 2026-27 season, with the possibility of additional games being shifted if the club reaches the Premiership semi-finals and earns a home tie. Couhig, who became Reading owner in May 2025, did not say how far talks had progressed but suggested the stadium is well suited to hosting rugby.

The stadium has a history of staging rugby, having previously been home to London Irish from 2000 to 2020. Couhig also pointed to summer improvements at the venue, including work on the stands and a new pitch, as reasons a deal could work. He said Reading’s football side would remain the priority tenant, and that any income from a rugby arrangement would be reinvested in the club and could also affect the amount available to spend under football finance rules.