The Ospreys board has told the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) its plan to reduce a professional side is the wrong decision.

Welsh rugby’s governing body has outlined its plans to cut the number of professional teams from four to three by 2028, with WRU-owned Cardiff and privately-backed Dragons set to be given licences.

That announcement has plunged Scarlets and Ospreys into doubt, with the west licence either being awarded to the Llanelli-based side or their Swansea-based rivals.

WRU chiefs have said the process to decide the framework for the final decision will begin in December and finish before the end of the 2026-27 campaign.

Scarlets managing director Jon Daniels has insisted there are no plans for a merger with Ospreys and called for greater transparency from the WRU.

Ospreys have now responded publicly for the first time by stating they believe four professional sides is the way forward.

A spokesperson for the Ospreys board said: “Welsh rugby needs reform and change, the Ospreys have never disputed that. What we dispute is the destination.

“The WRU’s proposed move to three professional men’s teams would leave west Wales, one of the most passionate rugby regions in the game, represented by a single side.

“The Ospreys do not accept that outcome as inevitable, or as the right one.

“Four sustainable professional clubs, built on the communities, pathways and history they represent, remain the stronger foundation for the Welsh game, and the Ospreys will keep making that case.

“The Ospreys and Scarlets are, for now, in direct competition for the west Wales regional licence. We’re not going to pretend otherwise.

“Our answer to that competition is straightforward: invest, build, compete, win. St Helen’s [stadium], our squad, our commercial growth and, ultimately, our results will make the case for us.

“This is the beginning of a new chapter for the Ospreys.”

Ospreys are currently preparing to play at the revamped St Helen’s ground in Swansea, which they hope will be ready for the United Rugby Championship (URC) fixture against Dragons on 24 October.

“There is real momentum around the club,” said Ospreys director Roger Blyth.

“St Helen’s is taking shape, supporters have backed us in significant numbers, we have strengthened the playing squad and there is growing confidence across the business.

“The last year has tested everyone connected with the Ospreys, but the response from our supporters, players, staff and partners has been exceptional and galvanised the organisation, establishing stronger foundations for our future.”

Ospreys say the funding is back by Swansea Council’s £5.1m investment and a further £2.5m from owners Y11 Sports & Media, whose negotiations with the WRU to buy Cardiff fell through in April.

Ospreys now say they are backed by continued investment from the ownership group and head into the new campaign with a strengthened squad and “one of the most significant stadium redevelopments in Welsh rugby under way”.

Foundations for the new 3G playing surface are now laid and work is continuing across the wider site.

Ospreys say phased redevelopment will include a new South Stand, a redeveloped West Stand and terrace, a designated fan zone, hospitality facilities and significant improvements for players, staff and supporters.

“Following one of the most challenging periods in the club’s history, both on and off the field, the commitment shown by supporters, players, staff, sponsors, partners and the wider community has helped the Ospreys move forward and establish stronger foundations for the future,” said Blyth.

“There is still a great deal of work ahead, but we are excited about where the Ospreys are going and determined to build a successful and sustainable future.”

Despite the uncertainty and departures of Wales captains Dewi Lake and Jac Morgan to Gloucester, Ospreys have recruited in the off-season.

They have signed three Australians in Lawson Creighton, Wallabies centre Lalakai Foketi and former Australia captain Liam Wright to go alongside lock Ryan Smith, while they are interested in recruiting former Wallabies wing Marika Koroibete

“We are extremely positive about the direction of the rugby programme,” said Ospreys head coach Mark Jones.

“The players and coaches showed tremendous resilience last season, and we believe the additions we have made to the squad give us a strong platform to build from.

“We want to compete, we want to keep developing players and we want to give our supporters a team that represents this region with pride.”

Ospreys says their contribution extends well beyond professional rugby and claim the “Ospreys in the Community” programme has established itself as one of the UK’s leading rugby foundations.

“Our responsibility extends well beyond what happens on the field,” said Ospreys in the Community foundation director Tom Sloane.

“We represent a proud rugby region, but we also represent the communities, families, schools and grassroots clubs within it.

“St Helen’s gives us an incredible opportunity to build on the work already taking place and bring even more people together through the power of sport.”

Ospreys claim the clamour for season tickets for St Helen’s has “exceeded expectations”.

“The confidence we are seeing from supporters and partners is encouraging,” said commercial director Richard Lancaster.

“St Helen’s gives us the opportunity to build something very different for the Ospreys, commercially, operationally and in terms of the relationship we have with our supporters.”