DEWSBURY RAMS owner-chairman Mark Sawyer says Huddersfield Giants’ move to the FLAIR Stadium from next season is great news for both clubs.
The agreement under which the Super League side, owned by Ken Davy, will take control of an extensive site and give the 32-year-old venue a £10million-plus upgrade follows months of negotiations described as “positive and amicable”.
As well as helping safeguard the future of the Championship outfit, who will remain autonomous and have an assured future at the ground, the Rams will benefit from playing at a “premier venue”, with a new 8,000 capacity (up from 5,000) and improved facilities for fans and sponsors.
Sawyer, involved at Dewsbury since 2002, sees the existing bonds between the clubs, who are both from the metropolitan borough of Kirklees, getting stronger still.
“This marks the dawn of an incredibly exciting new era for the Dewsbury Rams,” he said.
“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Huddersfield Giants to the FLAIR Stadium, transforming our home into a premier venue that will proudly host both top-tier Super League and Championship rugby.
“Our two clubs have built a strong relationship on and off the pitch over the years, and after months of positive discussions, we have secured a future where both teams will truly flourish.
“I want to extend a massive thank you to the Davy family for their unwavering dedication to ensuring Rugby League thrives here in Kirklees.
“We can’t wait to see this vision come to life and provide our fans with a first-class facility on a true Rugby League ground.”
Talking to League Express, Sawyer added: “As I have said before, we have long considered a groundshare sensible because it makes no sense not to maximise the use of a venue.
“We had Bradford play here for a period (in 2020 and 2021) and we have also had opportunities to share with other clubs, but the details weren’t quite right for us.
“With the Giants, we have spent a lot of time making sure they are right. I believe this is the best way forward for this club and our supporters and I also think it’s a great outcome for Huddersfield.”