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The decision has been blasted as “disgraceful and despicable” with fans vowing to fight against it
Wales legend Jonathan ‘Jiffy’ Davies is among those to have spoken out following the news that the Welsh Rugby Union have chosen Ospreys owners Y11 Sports & Media as its preferred owners of Cardiff Rugby.
On Monday night, news broke that, following a board meeting earlier in the day, the governing body will now enter a period of exclusive negotiation with Y11 to seal a deal for Cardiff, which it aims to finalise by next week.
The move seems likely to see the number of Welsh professional sides cut from four to three, with WRU bosses previously stating they wish do so by consensus and the option of one of the current regional owners buying Cardiff one way of achieving that.
Furious fans have vowed to fight and protest the decision, with Ospreys supporters demanding clarity and communication from their owners while the official Cardiff Rugby supporters’ group has branded the move “disgraceful and despicable”, with both fanbases “feeling numb”.
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The decision has not just angered fans of the two regions, however, with a furious response coming from across Welsh rugby and Jiffy speaking out to say: “We need to embrace everyone”.
Taking to X on Monday night, the dual-code legend said: “Wales need to keep 4 regions whatever happens to bring the younger players through. If current WRU intend to improve the pathway where will these players play[?].
“Look at ways to improve the regions not cut them. Everyone work together. There will be a few tough years but If we don’t get this right we could well end up in tier 2 for a long time.”
Davies added: “Can’t have no regional rugby in an area which has produced so many great players from Bridgend, Maesteg, Aberavon Neath and Swansea. Haven’t we learnt our lesson from alienating Pontypridd [?]. We need to embrace everyone.”
Wales international and former Ospreys star Sam Cross has also hit out at the decision and what he called the “cowardly leadership” of Y11, adding that “no one has the courage to stand up and be honest” about the situation.
“Feel for the players and staff at [Ospreys],” he wrote on X. “Knowing what it’s like to find out about your future via Wales Online, while being kept in the dark by the suits running the club.
“Once again, no one has the courage to stand up and be honest about what’s really going on. As for Y11, the so-called “global sports management experts” — cowardly leadership from day one, nowhere to be seen when it matters.
“The real problem with Welsh rugby is people clinging to jobs, hiding in the shadows, and turning a blind eye just to stay on the gravy train,” Cross added.
The decision has left fans across Wales “absolutely livid” and “incandescent with rage,” with one writing: “Struggling to find the words. Just feel numb.”
“Gutted,” wrote another. “Absolutely raging. WRU picks our owners @Y11SportMedia as preferred bidder for Cardiff? This smells like the end of the Ospreys. Years of loyalty, history, and our black blood… all thrown away for some ‘three-team’ nonsense. Feel betrayed.”
A third said it was a “shameful day,” while another added: “I’ve been out of love with rugby for a while now, but if my club ceases to exist I’ll still be absolutely gutted.
“Not that I think any of the regions deserve to die, but I could make a case that the Ospreys are one of the least deserving of such a fate.”
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