Swansea Council has this week overwhelmingly backed a cross-party motion calling on the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) to urgently rethink proposals that could see the Ospreys lose their status as a top-tier regional rugby team.
Councillors have warned that any such move would be devastating for the city, the wider Swansea Bay region and Welsh rugby as a whole.
This follows confirmation from the WRU that it has entered an exclusive 60-day due diligence period with Y11, the owners of Ospreys Rugby — after they were named as the preferred bidder to take over Cardiff Rugby.
It’s a development councillors fear could lead to the end of professional rugby in Swansea.
Councillors from across the chamber supported the notice of motion, brought forward by
Councillors Rob Stewart, Chris Holley, Andrea Williams, David Hopkins, Cyril Anderson, Alyson Anthony, Rebecca Fogarty, Louise Gibbard, Hayley Gwilliam, Elliott King, Robert Smith, Andrew Stevens, Andrew Williams, Peter May and Lyndon Jones.
Councillors challenged claims that Wales does not have sufficient funding or talent to sustain four regions — noting that the WRU receives more than £20 million more than the Irish Rugby Football Union, which continues to operate successfully with four professional teams.
Cllr Rob Stewart, Swansea Council Leader, said: “The Ospreys are part of who we are as a city and a region. Losing them would hit our economy, our wellbeing and our sense of identity — and it would deprive our children and future generations of something truly special.
“What’s been incredibly inspiring is the way the whole community has come together – former players, loyal fans, local businesses and residents are all standing shoulder to shoulder behind the Ospreys.
“That collective voice is powerful, and today the council has added its voice loud and clear.”
Councillors formally resolved to urge the WRU to immediately withdraw proposals to cut professional regional teams from four to three and to fully support efforts to secure the Ospreys’ future in Swansea.
As part of the resolution, Swansea Council will:
- Support any reasonable actions required to ensure the Ospreys remain a regional professional side based in Swansea, including exploring appropriate legal options if necessary
- Continue its commitment to redevelop St Helens into a modern rugby venue aligned with the Ospreys’ long-term ambitions to return to the ground
- Support the development of women’s rugby in Swansea — in addition to, not instead of, retaining the Ospreys
- Write formally to the WRU, the Ospreys, Y11, World Rugby and other relevant organisations outlining the Council’s position and requesting assistance in protecting regional rugby in Swansea
Councillors stressed that the current 60-day period represents a critical opportunity to influence the future direction of Welsh rugby and safeguard the Ospreys as a cornerstone of sport, community pride and economic activity in Swansea Bay.
