London Welsh chairman Bleddyn Phillips has insisted the club will not abandon its Richmond roots should the club get to the Premiership, writes Stuart Amos.

The Exiles will play thier Championship play-off final second-leg clash with Cornish Pirates at Oxford United football club’s Kassam Stadium on Wednesday.

Old Deer Park does not meet ground standards to host home games should they reach the promised land, leaving Oxford their preferred venue for next season.

Brentford’s Griffin Park and Harlequins’ Stoop home remain possible stand-by venues should the Kassam Stadium not be available for all home matches.

Ironically, London Welsh’s form is stronger away from home than in west London and Phillips insisted Richmond would remain a large part of the club’s identity.

“We would love to play Premiership rugby at Old Deer Park, but, unfortunately, the rules of the game suggest that cannot be done,” he said.

“Old Deer Park will always be our spiritual home and will continue to be our base for training, for all our age group and community rugby.

“This is a great opportunity to get back to the top flight where we were in the 70s and 80s. We will do all we can to make sure our loyal supporter base in Richmond can get to the games. We will even lay on almost free coaches.”