Clifton Park in running for elite rugby union exposure (From York Press)

Clifton Park in running for elite rugby union exposure

11:50am Saturday 20th October 2012 in Sport By Steve Carroll, Sports reporter

SIR Ian McGeechan would like to see York host a Premiership rugby union game in the future.

The British Lions legend, now executive chairman of Leeds Carnegie, said he hoped the Headingley club could one day bring a top-flight game to the city as the union stars prepare to come to Clifton Park tomorrow (3pm) to play Jersey in the British & Irish Cup.

Championship side Carnegie are taking a number of games on the road this season and York is the first stop for Selby-bred head coach Diccon Edwards and his men.

McGeechan praised the initiative and said the ultimate aim would be to take elite matches around the county if, and when, the club secures promotion back to the big time.

“It is a great initiative and something I would like to see us doing on a regular basis over the next few seasons,” he said.

“I think the set up at Leeds, not just Carnegie but the Rhinos and with the facilities here, means we really should be in the best shape possible to push out into the county as well.

“We are taking games out there and, if we can get back in the Premiership, I would love us to take a Premiership game there as well so we really get the best possible rugby to all corners of the county.”