SWINTON Lions is the latest club to benefit from the hospitality of Blackburn RUFC.

The club's Academy side will play the remainder of its league fixtures at Ramsgreave Drive after switching from Darwen's Anchor Ground.

Swinton follow in the footsteps of Lancashire Wolverines American Football League team and the newly-named Blackburn Knights, formerly Accrington Rugby League Club The Academy team had started the season at Darwen - along with Swinton's East Lancs Lions open age team - but a number of postponed games forced them to look for a new venue.

Swinton's head coach, Paul Kidd, used his connections at Blackburn Knights to help find a new temporary home.

"We are very grateful to Blackburn for helping us out at such late notice. The club have wonderful facilities and have been very hospitable towards us.

"This is our first season as a professional academy side and the second year the East Lancs Lions have played at the Anchor Ground. Unfortunately, the bad weather and the two teams playing on the one pitch proved to be too much so switching to Blackburn has really helped us."

The Academy team has already played two games at Ramsgreaves Drive and have three remaining home league fixtures to fulfil.

Gary Maken, vice chairman of Blackburn Knights, acted as middle man' between Swinton and Blackburn.

"I've know Paul since his days with Accrington and he contacted me to see if there was anyway we could help. I put him in touch with Blackburn chairman Dave Morris who was kind enough to help out.."

While Lancashire Wolverines and Swinton Lions are short term arrangements, Blackburn Knights have officially moved to Ramsgreave Drive following a successful trial period last season and will kick off the new campaign in Blackburn in September.

Meanwhile, Kidd said he would like to continue the club's association with East Lancashire.

He said: "We've enjoyed a spell at Darwen and now at Blackburn. East Lancashire is an untapped source when it comes to professional Rugby League so it would be nice to continue to play games in the area next season. Where those games are held we will have to wait and see."