On launching the revised Prospectus Chief Executive Bob Calleja, commented: "Since publishing the initial draft of our Prospectus last December, we have been further heartened by the public response to Bath Rugby’s aspiration to remain at the Rec. The supporters’ petition has been signed by some 10,000 B&NES residents and 22,000 over all. Nearly 2,000 people have responded to the official questionnaire of the Strategic Review. The Federation of Bath Residents Associations has announced the results of its survey, with 73% of respondents stating that they would prefer to see Bath Rugby continue at the Rec even if another site were available.

"We have now updated our Prospectus with new information and submitted this to the team conducting the Strategic Review. Our aspirations and arguments are set out clearly in this document."

(Artists impression of how Rec could look in future)

We are also looking forward to meeting with Ernst & Young on Tuesday 13 February, when we will have an opportunity to run through our business plan and answer any questions that they may have as they conduct the business and legal review that is also an important part of the Strategic Review.

There have been quite a few "scare stories" being circulated by the minority of Bathonians who are keen to see the back of Bath Rugby and Bob Calleja has addressed their comments, "The Prospectus debunks one or two myths that often form part of the arguments against Bath Rugby staying at the Rec. It clearly states, for example, that the Club has absolutely no intention of floating on the Stock Exchange. While the Club remains under its current ownership, profits, such as they are, will be reinvested in the Club."

"It shows that we are not seeking to dominate the Rec. Our outline proposal would require an increase in our footprint from 28% to approximately 29.5% of the charitable land. There is nothing that currently takes place that would be precluded, and the greater likelihood is that an extended and enhanced arena and improved playing surface would enable a broader range of sporting activity to take place and be enjoyed by all."

Despite the efforts of a few people to delay the whole process of developing the Rec Bob Calleja emphasised that time is not on the side of Bath Rugby. "As a Club and as a business we have given ourselves until the end of 2007 to focus all of our efforts on convincing the people of Bath, the Council, the Recreation Ground Trust and the Charity Commission that an enhanced arena for 15,000 people will be positive and beneficial for the overwhelming majority of Bathonians. We firmly believe that to remove Bath Rugby from its home of over 100 years, would constitute a far more radical change to the fabric of this City than the development and enhancement of the existing facilities to which we aspire.

Some would have everyone believe that Bath Rugby has a secret agenda and anyone signing the recent petition is being hoodwinked. Bob Calleja countered this, "The new Prospectus is a major part of our effort to be completely open about our aspirations. It is available to read at all B&NES libraries, and to download from our website. I hope people will take the opportunity to read it, and if it raises any questions, my door is always open."

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