This post was originally published on this site.
Lance Bradley has refrained from commenting publicly this week following the news that Y11 were the WRU’s preferred bidders for Cardiff
Ospreys CEO Lance Bradley has spoken for the first time since news broke earlier this week that the club’s owners, Y11, are in line to buy rivals Cardiff.
The Welsh Rugby Union board unanimously chose Y11 on Monday, with Ospreys players and staff finally informed officially on Tuesday in a heated meeting with Bradley. The WRU have now confirmed after days of speculation that Y11 will continue as owners of the Ospreys until at least the end of the 2026/27 season, while also entering a period of exclusivity to buy the Arms Park club.
Bradley has refrained from commenting publicly following the news about Y11 on Monday, despite fans demanding answers from him.
JOIN OUR WALES RUGBY FACEBOOK PAGE Latest news, analysis and much more
However, he has now released a statement to address supporters of the Ospreys to coincide with the WRU’s announcement on Thursday. You can read what the WRU have to say here.
“Firstly, I want to apologise to you all about not being able to communicate with you earlier, following the leaked news this week that Y11 have been selected by the WRU as their preferred bidder for Cardiff Rugby,” said Bradley in a message to Ospreys’ supporters.
“The discussions between Y11 and the WRU are commercially confidential, so could not be discussed until certain agreements were in place. I hope you can understand that.
“I recognise, however, that this has resulted in a few days of increased uncertainty, and that this has left many of you wondering what’s happening with your club. I’m now sharing with you as much information as I can about the situation.
“The WRU has today confirmed its intention to sell Cardiff Rugby to Y11. Being announced as the preferred bidder means that both parties now enter into an exclusivity period to finalise the transaction.
“Whether a deal is concluded or not, however, Y11 will continue to own and operate Ospreys. If a deal for Cardiff is finalised, this would see Y11 owning and operating both Ospreys and Cardiff, with both regions continuing to play as separate teams.
“Crucially, I want to make clear that the Ospreys will continue to play in the URC and EPCR competitions until at least the end of the 26/27 season.
“Here at Ospreys we are fully focused on the remainder of this season, and we’re making the usual preparations for next season.
“In the event that Y11 conclude a deal for Cardiff Rugby I will give you a full update on what the overall plan will be. The exclusivity period is no more than 60 days, after which the transaction would be confirmed and the final details communicated to you.
“I am in constant communication with our owners. In so far as we can control it, I can assure you that updates about any longer term plans for Ospreys Rugby will first be heard by Ospreys players, staff and their families.
“In the meantime I would ask that you fully get behind our boys, starting with this weekend’s game against Lions. Your support has always made a big difference, and now more than ever we’d really appreciate it.”
It’s understood Bradley had told players and staff on Tuesday that the Ospreys would remain until at least 2027, with the plans to still play at St Helen’s next season.
A meeting took place on Thursday morning between Bradley, WRU CEO Abi Tierney and Swansea Council to discuss the development of St Helen’s – although it’s not yet clear what the outcome of that meeting was.
A number of players walked out of the meeting over the lack of clarity on offer, with Ospreys head coach Mark Jones confirming on Wednesday that players were feeling “anger… frustration, confusion, probably a bit of fear in the room as well around the unknown”.
