Swansea RFC have had their say on the WRU’s alleged plans
Swansea RFC’s board says it is opposed to a merger with the Ospreys if the Welsh region cease to be a professional outfit.
Yesterday Swansea Council revealed key details from a meeting involving Welsh Rugby Union CEO Abi Tierney, council leader Rob Stewart and Ospreys CEO Lance Bradley. The council alleged that in this meeting they were informed the Ospreys would not be a professional team after the 2026/27 season and could merge with Swansea RFC to play in Super Rygbi Cymru.
As a result, Swansea Council are threatening legal action against the WRU based on a breach of competition law. Both the WRU and the Ospreys have labelled Swansea Council’s version of events as inaccurate.
Now, Swansea RFC have had their say in a strong statement issued on Thursday.
“The Board of Swansea RFC notes with serious concern the contents of Swansea Council’s statement issued on Wednesday 4 February, following its meeting with Abi Tierney (Welsh Rugby Union) and Lance Bradley (Ospreys),” read the statement.
“The reported suggestion that the Ospreys could “merge” with Swansea following the 2026/27 season to play as a semi professional team in Super Rygbi Cymru is deeply alarming and would indicate the end of the professional game here.
“To be absolutely clear, this is the first time the Board has been made aware of any such proposal. We are unanimous in our opposition to the suggestion.”
Swansea Council has allocated £5m to redevelop St Helen’s and has already spent £1.5m, but the rest of the money will only be released if the WRU guarantees the Ospreys’ pro future.
Should the Ospreys become an SRC team playing outside of St Helen’s, this would throw the future of Swansea RFC into doubt.
“Having temporarily relocated to Dunvant RFC this season to enable the redevelopment of St Helen’s, everyone connected with the club has been eagerly anticipating a return home,” read a Swansea RFC statement.
“The redevelopment, supported by Swansea Council, would deliver a shared, community-focused facility for both Swansea RFC and the Ospreys.
“Any proposal that suggests more than 150 years of history can be so easily dispensed with is deeply flawed and would be devastating for the club, its supporters, and the wider community.
“It is indicative of a clear lack of understanding of, and empathy with, the rugby culture in Wales. It also places the future of professional rugby in the region in serious doubt.
“The Board remains committed to protecting the legacy of all those who have gone before us and to securing a strong future for the All Whites.
“Board members attended the public meeting at Brangwyn Hall on Wednesday evening, where the strength of public feeling was clear.
“We fully support Swansea Council’s efforts to safeguard professional rugby at St Helen’s and to deliver a long-term solution that benefits the whole community.
“Likewise, we stand behind the Ospreys players and staff who continue to work tirelessly in such difficult circumstances.
“Rugby in Wales stands at a crossroads. We urge the WRU to listen to the overwhelming opposition to their plans and to reconsider the direction they are taking.”