Welsh rugby’s soap opera has taken another turn following the WRU’s announcement on Wednesday
Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart has claimed the Ospreys’ future is secure beyond the end of the current decade – despite the Welsh Rugby Union once again reiterating their intention to cut the number of professional teams to three by 2028.
Cllr Stewart’s statement was issued following the confirmation that the deal for the Ospreys’ owners, Y11, to buy Cardiff had fallen through. Y11 and the WRU had been in discussions over Cardiff since January.
A 60-day period of exclusivity was initially granted, before that was extended by another 30 days.
Now, the latest deadline has seen the deal fall through – with the WRU continuing to own Cardiff, having rescued the Arms Park club from administration in April 2025.
Y11’s bid to buy Cardiff had been met with staunch resistance – with Swansea Council having launched legal action against the WRU.
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As such, the failure for that deal to get over the line has been treated as a victory by the council – with Cllr Stewart claiming the Ospreys’ future is now secure beyond 2030.
“This is a major win for the campaign to save the Ospreys that I’m proud to have been a part of,” read a statement from Cllr Stewart. “This is the outcome we have been working for and it’s amazing to see it happen.
“This now secures the Ospreys future into the 2030s and allows four professional regions to continue to play in Wales – which is what the fans players and public wanted.
“The Ospreys playing at a redeveloped St Helen’s from the start of next season will be fantastic for the city our local economy and the supporters.
“I’d like to thank the team at Swansea council, the supporters, fans, players and public who have supported the campaign – this win is for all of you.”
As well as Y11’s deal for Cardiff collapsing, the WRU also announcing that both the Ospreys and Scarlets would be offered the chance to enter the existing PRA25 agreement – almost a year after the west Wales clubs had refused to sign it.
“We could have been in this position a year ago had the WRU not presided over chaos and confusion,” added Cllr Stewart. “The clubs and the union have suffered financially and fans and our game have faced unnecessary uncertainty.
“This was completely avoidable and the leadership of the WRU have to take responsibility for the crisis they caused. I’m pleased they have now offered PRAs to all four clubs and provided much-needed certainty for professional rugby in Wales.”
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