Rodney Parade is set for its own �40m redevelopment

Bristol could share the Dragons' Rodney Parade ground next season while their Memorial Ground is being redeveloped.

BBC Wales Sport understands that talks between Bristol and the Newport-based Welsh region, who own Rodney Parade, are at an early stage.

But both clubs must get the approval of their respective unions.

The Dragons and Newport RFC have also been assured they would not need to vacate Rodney Parade while their ground undergoes its own �40m facelift.

The Rodney Parade redevelopment is expected to start in 2009 and be open for the start of the 2010/11 season before Newport hosts the 2010 Ryder Cup.

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But the work will take place in such a way that it allows rugby to be played at the ground.

The Memorial Ground's �36m redevelopment, which will transform the ground into an all-seater 18,500-capacity arena, is expected to be completed in December 2009.

Bristol City's Ashton Gate football ground has staged rugby games in recent years and is also an option for Bristol Rugby.

"Any ground-sharing would have to be for around 18 months and we are still talking to a number of parties but nothing has been signed as yet," said a Bristol spokesman.

Bristol Rugby are now tenants of the ground they once owned.

League One football side Bristol Rovers, who moved to The Memorial Stadium in 1996, bought the ground in 1998 when the rugby club were in financial difficulties.

Rovers are expected to play at Cheltenham Town's Whaddon Road.