A ground-share between Oxford United and London Welsh at the Kassam Stadium should benefit all parties, according to the rugby club’s chairman.

The Exiles begin a two-legged Championship play-off away to Cornish Pirates tomorrow.

Their historic Old Deer Park headquarters is not suitable for Premiership rugby, so a new home is needed if they win promotion and the Kassam Stadium has emerged as the preferred option.

As tenants of the stadium, Oxford United have no say over a ground-share, the potential of which has been met with a mixed response from supporters.

But London Welsh chairman Bleddyn Phillips (pictured) has moved to reassure fans, who are particularly concerned about the impact on the playing surface, by pointing out the financial benefits it could bring.

He said: “It should be a win-win for both clubs. If we are sensible and mature about it, and there’s no reason why we shouldn’t be, the football club, the city, the area and ourselves can all benefit.

“If we do share, a lot of the costs for things like floodlighting or maintenance would split.

“The football club are paying 100 per cent of it at the moment, which is a six-figure sum, so that ought to be divided.

“I think the pitch ought to be sufficiently robust to withstand it.

“Look at the Madejski Stadium and Wycombe Wanderers which host both – the expectation would be just as it satisfies both there, it should do so with Oxford United and London Welsh.”

The rugby club say they would also be keen to demonstrate their commitment to the area by working on community initiatives.

Average home attendances were just under 1,500 this season, but Phillips has high hopes if the move went ahead they would attract a competitive gate for the top flight.

He said: “I would certainly hope if we were to go up I think it would be unrealistic to expect more than 5-10,000.”

A good indication of the local enthusiasm should come next Wednesday, when the Kassam hosts the second leg of London Welsh’s play-off (7.45).