Swansea Council is calling on the Welsh Rugby Union to halt its controversial overhaul of regional rugby amid growing concern for the future of the Ospreys.
Council Leader Rob Stewart has criticised WRU plans to cut Wales’ professional regions from four to three — a move that would effectively erase the Ospreys as a top‑flight regional team.
The WRU has confirmed it has entered negotiations with Y11, the owners of the Ospreys, to buy the Cardiff regional club.
Following meetings today with senior WRU and Ospreys officials, Cllr Stewart warned that the proposals threaten both the region’s proud rugby heritage and the long‑term future of the sport in Swansea. He urged the WRU to “hit pause” and rethink its approach.
He said: “The council is shocked by these proposals as we have been working with the Ospreys on the redevelopment of St Helen’s as their new home of regional rugby in Swansea.
“It was hugely disappointing to hear what the WRU had to say. There was a clear indication that they saw no viable future for the Ospreys within their new arrangements.
“I have urged Abi Tierney, the WRU Chief Executive, to pause their process now and to think again.
“We will continue to do everything we can to secure regional rugby in Swansea and keep pressing the WRU on this decision.
“The plan to redevelop St Helen’s was dependent on the Ospreys remaining one of Wales professional regional teams and we cannot commit any money to St Helen’s until this matter is resolved.”
Cllr Stewart also challenged the WRU’s reasoning and the fairness of its process.
“I did not agree with the rationale they outlined. I questioned both the process and the criteria they’ve adopted. If four regions is no longer possible, then the process must at least be fair. At present, only one side is in administration, Cardiff, and that’s the team owned by the WRU itself.
“Instead, the WRU could base the decision on success: which region has delivered results, produced players, and built the strongest pathways. On those criteria, the Ospreys stand out as Wales’ most successful region. By any fair measure, they should be retained.
“Rugby fans in Swansea, across the region and throughout Wales know this is the wrong decision.
“The WRU have to do the right thing and pause this process so that they can re-consider what is in the best interest of Welsh rugby.”
The council has also reaffirmed its commitment to creating a state-of-the-art sports park in the city, incorporating the Wales National Pool, rugby and cricket. These plans are unaffected by the WRU’s plans for regional rugby.
