NEWPORT rugby fans were told today: "Rodney Parade is safe."

Chief benefactor Tony Brown crushed rumours of a sell-off by insisting property developers would not be allowed to step into Rodney Parade.

And he said even if he leaves he will ensure the ground will not be touched.

There was widespread speculation it would be part of future regeneration plans on the east side of the city and would be developed for housing.

Speculation has also been rife that Brown will no longer be involved with either Newport Gwent Dragons, the major team now playing out of Rodney Parade, or Newport RFC next season.

Brown today refused to comment on his own future, but is adamant Rodney Parade, which is owned by Newport Rugby Club, will not be sold.

"It's rubbish to suggest that Rodney Parade represents everything that Newport is about," said Brown.

"I have a majority holding in Newport Rugby Club, who own the ground, and the last thing in my mind is to get rid of this priceless asset.

"The freehold of Rodney Parade is owned by the rugby club in which I have the majority interest and as long as that remains, the ground will never be sold.

"And if I wasn't involved with the club any more I'd make sure the asset would be ringfenced.

"The possible development ofthe ground cropped up a few years ago, but the idea that Rodney Parade will be developed is rubbish.

"I do get upset if rumours are going about suggesting that people think I'm involved in selling the ground.

"The situation means Newport is one of the wealthiest clubs in the country because it is debt free. As long as I am involved as a director or shareholder that asset will be protected."

Brown suggested that only a new stadium being built could possibly divert him from his intention - and that is highly unlikely.

The ground has been a central part of Newport for the last 130 years and has been the scene of some great rugby achievements, the finest probably being the triumph over the All Blacks in 1963.

Newport have also beaten Australia and South Africa there.

Some of Wales' greatest players have trod the famous turf in the Newport colours as well - Arthur Gould, Jack Morley, David Watkins, the current club chairman, and Brian Price among them, and more recently overseas stars of the calibre of Gary Teichmann.

Meanwhile, the Welsh Rugby Union have now paid the Dragons the three months money they withheld while the dispute between the pair was continuing.

The Dragons refused to sign the participation agreement because they wanted the WRU to pay them either as a region or give them stand alone status. But the dispute was finally resolved just before Christmas, the deal was signed and agreement was reached.

Now the Dragons have been paid in full.

* ERC have invited all teams competing in this weekend's Heineken Cup, European Challenge Cup and European Shield competitions to observe a minute's silence in commemoration of the victims of the disaster in South East Asia and in solidarity with the population in the affected countries.