This post was originally published on this site.
Torsten Bell MP has slammed the Welsh Rugby Union’s decision to allow Y11 to buy Cardiff
A Swansea MP says the Welsh Rugby Union are trying to stitch up the Ospreys as he called for a change in leadership at the top of the governing body.
Earlier this week, the WRU chose Ospreys’ owners Y11 as their preferred bidders to buy Cardiff. The union confirmed the news on Thursday after days of mounting speculation, stating 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.
In light of that, Torsten Bell MP has released a scathing statement, having met with both the WRU and Y11 in the past two days, in which he claims the Ospreys have been stitched up by the WRU.
He also called for a change in leadership within the WRU.
The Central Glamorgan Rugby Union district are currently calling for an Extraordinary General Meeting following the Six Nations, in which they would seek to oust WRU chair Richard Collier-Keywood and Professional Rugby Board chair Malcolm Wall.
“It’s now clear that the WRU are trying to use Cardiff going bust to try to force the Ospreys out of professional rugby,” said Bell.
“They promised an open transparent process to decide which clubs would continue – but are trying to deliver a behind-closed-doors stitch-up to prevent the Ospreys even being able to compete in that process.
“Demand for an EGM is building as people see the chaos being driven by those who are meant to be stewarding our national game. It’s hard to see a way forward now that doesn’t involve a change in leadership at the WRU.”
Bell is not the first political figure to speak out on the WRU’s plans for the Ospreys this week.
Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart issued a statement on Thursday saying that, following a meeting with the WRU and Ospreys, he was left feeling there was no viable future for the Ospreys.
Cllr Stewart had met with WRU CEO Abi Tierney and Ospreys CEO Lance Bradley on Thursday morning to discuss the redevelopment of St Helen’s.
The Ospreys had been set to move into the Swansea ground next season, with Bradley telling players earlier this week that was still the case.
However, Swansea Council’s reaction to the meeting with the WRU and Ospreys has seemingly ended any prospect of that.
As part of the statement on Thursday, Cllr Stewart said the council could not commit any money to the development of St Helen’s until the Ospreys’ future was resolved.
