The Tigers were keen to move in at Leicester City's Walkers Stadium from the start of next season because their Welford Road ground is not big enough to accommodate the club's fanbase.

However, ongoing discussions mean the move from their 16,000 capacity home to the 32,000-capacity Walkers Stadium is now set to go ahead for the start of the 2006-07 season.

A joint statement released yesterday read: "Both clubs have spent the past six months in exhaustive and lengthy negotiations regarding Leicester Tigers' move to the Walkers Stadium.

"These have been extremely productive and a huge amount of work and agreement has been achieved in a short timeframe.

"Unfortunately, due to a small number of issues remaining unresolved we wish to make it clear that the Tigers will not be in a position to play their home fixtures out of the Walkers Stadium from the start of the 2005-06 season.

"Instead, it is now envisaged the Tigers will be playing home games in the stadium from the 2006-07 season."

The statement continued: "In the coming months discussions will continue with the footballing and rugby authorities to reach agreement on a small number of unresolved issues.

"Both organisations reaffirm their belief that the proposed joint venture is the best way forward for City and the Tigers."

Tigers chairman Peter Tom said: "We have an excellent working relationship with City and the majority of issues involving the two clubs playing at one stadium have been resolved.

"However, we are still in discussions with the football and rugby authorities regarding possible fixture clashes, and whilst Leicester City and ourselves have agreed how this should be managed, at present further negotiations with both authorities are required." The Tigers' Heineken Cup semi-final against Toulouse will be played at the Walkers Stadium on April 24.

Leicester City chief executive Tim Davies added: "This is an ideal opportunity for Tigers supporters to see and use the magnificent facilities at the stadium and to familiarise themselves with the ground.

"It will give everyone the opportunity to see that Walkers Stadium is a perfect venue for top-class international club rugby as well as football."