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Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart met with Ospreys CEO Lance Bradley and WRU CEO Abi Tierney on Thursday
Swansea Council has hit out at the Welsh Rugby Union’s plans to cull a professional team, saying bosses have indicated to them there is no viable future for the Ospreys.
In an explosive statement released following a meeting between council leader Rob Stewart, Ospreys CEO Lance Bradley and WRU CEO Abi Tierney today, it said it cannot commit any money to the development of St Helen’s until the Ospreys‘ future is resolved.
The WRU confirmed on Thursday that it has entered into negotiations with the Ospreys’ owners, Y11, to buy Cardiff. The governing body state that Y11 will own both clubs, with the Ospreys to continue playing in the United Rugby Championship until at least the end of the 2026/27 season. No guarantee on their future has been given beyond that.
Ospreys CEO Bradley had told players and staff earlier this week that the club would continue to exist for at least 18 months and would play at St Helen’s from next season.
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And while the WRU’s announcement on Thursday might confirm the former, a statement from Swansea Council leader Stewart suggests the latter isn’t likely as things stand. It also suggests Y11’a long term plans do not include the Ospreys.
Cllr Stewart met with Bradley and Tierney on Thursday morning to discuss the development of St Helen’s.
However, following the meeting, he has called upon the WRU to rethink its approach – saying that the current proposals “threaten both the region’s proud rugby heritage and the long‑term future of the sport in Swansea”.
“The council is shocked by these proposals as we have been working with the Ospreys on the redevelopment of St Helen’s as their new home of regional rugby in Swansea,” said Stewart.
“It was hugely disappointing to hear what the WRU had to say. There was a clear indication that they saw no viable future for the Ospreys within their new arrangements.
“I have urged Abi Tierney, the WRU Chief Executive, to pause their process now and to think again.
“We will continue to do everything we can to secure regional rugby in Swansea and keep pressing the WRU on this decision.
“The plan to redevelop St Helen’s was dependent on the Ospreys remaining one of Wales professional regional teams and we cannot commit any money to St Helen’s until this matter is resolved.”
Speaking about the WRU’s process, Cllr Stewart added: “I did not agree with the rationale they outlined.
“I questioned both the process and the criteria they’ve adopted. If four regions is no longer possible, then the process must at least be fair. At present, only one side is in administration, Cardiff, and that’s the team owned by the WRU itself.
“Instead, the WRU could base the decision on success: which region has delivered results, produced players, and built the strongest pathways. On those criteria, the Ospreys stand out as Wales’ most successful region. By any fair measure, they should be retained.
“Rugby fans in Swansea, across the region and throughout Wales know this is the wrong decision.
“The WRU have to do the right thing and pause this process so that they can re-consider what is in the best interest of Welsh rugby.”
The statement added that the council has reaffirmed its commitment to creating a state-of-the-art sports park in the city, incorporating the Wales National Pool, rugby and cricket, with those plans unaffected by the WRU’s plans for regional rugby.
They say they will continue to work with sports organisations, academic institutions and investors to further develop these plans
