RUFC - 'Eagles - 'We were here first'

Rotherham United's move to the Don Valley Stadium has come as a shock to many Millers fans and there are mixed views over whether it is for the better or not, but even before the Millers have settled into their new home, the 'sitting tenants' are giving out the rules.

Don Valley is home of rugby side, Sheffield Eagles, who are in National League One, and their Chairman, Ian Swire says he expects rugby to take priority over football.

'If there are any fixture clashes,' Mr Swire told The Star, 'we expect to have first refusal. I haven't spoken to Sheffield International Venues, who run the stadium, so we will have to wait and see.

'We'd heard rumours that Rotherham United were talking to SIV but hadn't been told anything officially and officials from the United were at our game last Friday to see how things were run.'

The clash of fixtures could be at the start of the football season with the Eagles having games on Sunday, 17 August and Friday, 22nd August with a possibility that they might be moved for Sky television coverage. It is also a possibility that the Eagles will make the end of season play-offs which could bring extra fixture clashes.

'There should only be a two or three week overlap of fixtures,' Mr Swire carried on, 'and providing the stadium can host two games over one weekend there shouldn't be a problem.

Eagles coach, Mark Aston said he fully understands the Millers problems having had the same trouble themselves when their old home at Owlerton was deemed unsafe for them to play there. 'It will work,' he said, 'but how good it will work we will have to wait and see.'

The Star also says that South Yorkshire Police could still rule out Saturday games for the Millers as they don't want two football games in the city at the same time.