Two Hove rugby pitches have been deemed too dangerous to play sport on.

Rocks and flint in the turf forced the Rugby Football Union (RFU) to condemn Hove Rugby Football Club’s first-team pitch and training pitch at Hove Recreation Ground.

The Brighton and Hove City Council-maintained ground on Shirley Drive, Hove, is home to four senior teams, a women’s team and more than 300 juniors playing in teams from under-six to under-18.

Because of a ground-share scheme with Palmers Cricket Club, which means the two pitches which are fit for purpose cannot be used, the club has had to find other grounds to train and play their matches on.

A club spokesman said: “The maintenance of the pitches at Hove Rec is the council’s responsibility.

“Independently, and at its own expense, the club obtained a report which declared these two pitches unusable for contact rugby until substantial restoration works are complete.

“The club has spent most of the summer negotiating with the council and the RFU to find a way forward.

“As a result, the RFU have already pledged significant funds to assist.

“However, this is dependent on further negotiations with the council.

“We look forward to working with both the council and the RFU to ensure the required work is undertaken urgently.”

The situation is heightened by the city’s successful bid to host the Rugby World Cup (RWC) next year.

The spokesman added: “The right to host the RWC matches was awarded to the city at least in part because of promises made about the legacy it would create for rugby in the area. It would be a great shame if this potential legacy could not be achieved.”

Councillor Geoffrey Bowden, chairman of the economic development and culture committee, said Brighton and Hove City Council had been working with the club to understand why the pitches had deteriorated.

He said: “We are also actively exploring funding options and looking into how best to make sure players can continue to play while the conditions of the pitches are improved and long-term maintenance plans are arranged.

“The positive aspect to this unfortunate situation is it demonstrates the popularity of the rugby and the importance of Hove RFC for local players.

“All concerned are keen to work together to find the best solution.”