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The latest rugby news stories from Wales and beyond today
The latest rugby headlines on Tuesday, January 13.
Major decision imminent
A decision is expected in the coming days which will shape the future of Welsh rugby after the deadline for final offers from two bidders to buy Cardiff from the Welsh Rugby Union passed on Monday.
A Hollywood-backed consortium and one other unconfirmed interested party are now waiting on the union’s decision, which is likely to come quickly. Speculation has mounted the other bidder could be Ospreys owners Y11 Sport & Media, with the sports investment group understood to have been involved in discussions.
While that has neither been confirmed or denied, WRU bosses have previously expressed confidence they can reach consensus in their efforts to cut from four to three pro teams, with the possibility of a current rival ownership group deciding to buy Cardiff previously mooted as one way to do that. Indeed, with no appetite for mergers and no team prepared to fall on its sword, such a scenario would appear to be the only way for the WRU to avoid having to launch a lengthy tendering process that would pit the teams against each other in a battle for survival.
The WRU had been confident of finding consensus in December but were forced to push back the deadline. They will be keen to get the Cardiff issue sorted as soon as possible, while they will also need to agree on the level of control they have at all regions going forward in order to finally deliver the three-team plan.
“Our priority remains to reach a consensus with the professional clubs if possible,” the WRU said in December.
“While we had hoped to provide certainty before Christmas, it has become clear that a few more weeks are needed to try and reach an agreed way forward.”
That crunch time has now arrived, with the threat of an EGM also looming.
Cardiff ‘aware of fan opinion’
Cardiff Rugby say they are “acutely aware of supporter feedback and opinion” as the deadline for those submitted bids for the club comes to a close.
After going into administration last year, the WRU stepped in to take over the club while new buyers were sought. The process has now come down to two bidders, with one consortium led by former Cardiff director Martyn Ryan. The other remains unnamed, but the Ospreys‘ owners Y11 are believed to have held talks during the process.
Over the weekend, Cardiff supporter group, CF10 Rugby Trust, once again outlined their fears over a bid from the Ospreys’ owners. You can read more about that here.
And in a message to supporters, managing director Jamie Muir says they are aware of fan sentiment.
“As we enter the New Year, there is no hiding the fact that Welsh professional rugby continues to face a significant period of change, much of it widely publicised,” he said.
“I want to reassure you that Cardiff Rugby has had its voice represented and heard. Between myself, our chair Scott Waddington and our consultation group, we have been engaged in the process and continue close dialogue with the Welsh Rugby Union. We will continue to fight for what is best for this club. As we have said before, that is ensuring the future of rugby at the Arms Park as Cardiff Rugby.
“For ourselves, there is the added issue of ownership. The sale process, which Scott is involved in and representing our views, is ongoing and I am being kept abreast of developments. There is a lot of speculation in the media, and we are aware of the worry this uncertainty brings. It is no different for those within the club.
“That said, it is obviously a commercially sensitive process and unfortunately, I am not at liberty to say anything further. I would like to stress though, that we are acutely aware of supporter feedback and opinion. The vast interest and passion from supporters, and the likes of CF10 Trust, is both understandable and appreciated. This is all being fed back to the WRU.”
Scotland star leaves for France
Scotland international Adam Hastings is to leave Glasgow Warriors for France, after signing a two-year deal with Montpellier.
Hastings will join Stuart Hogg and Ali Price at the club as he becomes the latest Scotland star to move to the Top 14.
The 29-year-old son of Scotland legend Gavin has made 81 appearances for Glasgow across two spells with the club, having made his debut for the club back in 2017.
Glasgow said: “Hastings remains fully committed to Glasgow Warriors for the remainder of the 2025-26 season, and the club wishes him the best in his future endeavours.”
