Notts County Chairman Ray Trew is delighted to announce that he has reached an agreement to purchase Nottingham Rugby Club.

Mr Trew has been in negotiations with Nottingham Rugby Chairman Alistair Bow over the past few weeks with regards purchasing the rugby club, who recently signed a long-term agreement to use Meadow Lane for their home matches.

Having agreed a deal that serves the interests of both parties, Mr Trew and Mr Bow are delighted to confirm that an agreement has been reached for Meadow Lane plc to purchase Nottingham Rugby.

"When the notion of buying Nottingham Rugby was first suggested to me I was immediately interested because I can see the massive potential of the club, especially when coupled with Notts County Football Club," explained Mr Trew.

"With both teams playing at Meadow Lane, it has always made sense for us to work as closely as possible and I see purchasing the rugby club as the natural progression of this partnership.

"The Notts County Board and I have been impressed by the professionalism and passion that everyone at Nottingham Rugby has shown for their club during our short tenure, it has been a real pleasure working with them.

"My aim is to embrace fans of both clubs and to encourage support across both sports, as we look to build a successful partnership that will be the pride of Nottingham."

Nottingham Rugby Chairman Bow said of the deal: "From the moment Ray Trew and his associates walked into Meadow Lane, it marked a new chapter for both Notts County Football Club and Nottingham Rugby Club.

"In agreeing the new lease contract within weeks of his arrival, Ray made a massive statement of his intent to build bridges with us and this was indicative of the relationship that we have since enjoyed with him and everyone at Notts County.

"I wouldn't have even considered this deal if I didn't think it was in the best interests of Nottingham Rugby, but I have complete faith in Ray's ability and intention to take the club forwards and form a massively successful partnership with Notts County.

"I would ask all of our supporters to welcome Ray to the club and to show him the kind of support that they have given me during my time here because it is only by working together that this club will be able to move forwards."

As a result of this deal, Meadow Lane plc, the company that owns Blenheim 1862 (NCFC), will now own both Notts County Football Club and Nottingham Rugby.

A Q&A session open to supporters of both clubs is to be arranged in the coming weeks, with details to be announced on the official websites of both Notts County and Nottingham Rugby.