Bristol reject buy-out bid

Bristol have rejected a buy-out bid from a consortium based in South Africa who were believed to want to relocate the franchise for the Division One club to London.

The club confirmed today that a bid had been received by their directors, who rejected the offer unanimously.

A club statement said: “We made it very clear, when the consortium took control, that we intend that Bristol Shoguns is and always will remain in the city area.

“We consider ourselves to be guardians ensuring that our children and grandchildren will have a top-flight rugby club to support. We are first and foremost supporters of the club and its future.

“We are pleased that we are held in sufficiently high esteem to be approached but such a deal has no place whatsoever in our plans.

“We shall continue to encourage funding from the local business community following the very successful launch of the Bristol Rugby Business Foundation on April 28.

“We are confident that our members and fans will support our decision.”