Swansea Council and the Ospreys are poised to launch a bold new era for both top-flight and community rugby with a major investment in the historic St Helen’s ground.
The proposal would see St Helen’s revitalised as a modern home for professional rugby while becoming one of Wales’ most accessible and inclusive community rugby hubs.
Central to the plans is a new state‑of‑the‑art 4G playing surface, which would be used by the Ospreys for match days and weekly team run‑outs, the Whites and opened to schools, clubs and community groups for the rest of the week.
Under the joint investment model, Swansea Council would fund key community‑focused upgrades including the pitch and floodlights, while the Ospreys would deliver professional‑level enhancements such as a new stand, fan zone and broadcast facilities.
A new Swansea Rugby Community Board is also proposed to ensure the redevelopment delivers maximum benefit for local people.
Alun Wyn Jones, the former Wales and British and Irish Lions captain, has agreed to work with the council to ensure the collaboration maximises the benefits for grassroots rugby and the community.
Council leader Rob Stewart said: “The future of St Helen’s has been on hold due to ongoing discussions about regional rugby in Wales which are unlikely to end anytime soon. The WRU is not giving us the answers we need to move forward despite our requests, such as how Y11 can own two teams for a long period of time. In light of the impending EGM, I doubt the WRU knows where it is going.
“We must break that deadlock in the meantime and find how we can move forward as a city despite the WRU’s lack of answers. We propose to create a new model that strengthens both professional and grassroots rugby across Swansea and the Ospreys region.
“Our joint investment would give the Ospreys a home worthy of professional rugby while opening up this iconic ground to the community like never before.
“This continues our support for the Ospreys remaining as a professional rugby region based in Swansea.”
If approved, the Ospreys would significantly expand their community programme, offering club nights, school sessions, open training events and coaching development opportunities. Year‑round access would support junior and youth rugby, schools, Swansea RFC and local clubs.
The proposals aim to:
- Reconnect the professional and community game in Swansea
- Boost participation among children and young people
- Strengthen coach and volunteer development
- Improve health and wellbeing
- Create inclusive rugby opportunities for all ages and backgrounds
Cllr Stewart added: “For the first time in many years, children and young people will have access to a safe, modern, central facility – whatever the weather.
“This model strengthens the player pathway by linking clubs, schools, colleges and the Ospreys Academy.
“We believe this approach is unmatched anywhere in the UK and lays the foundation for a thriving rugby community at every level.”
Ospreys director Rob Davies said: “We have been working with Swansea Council for many months on the redevelopment of the iconic St Helen’s ground. We’re delighted that we’ve found a way to not only progress our plans to play back in Swansea from next season, but also to further enhance the work we’ve always done in our community.”
The proposals will be discussed by the council’s cabinet on Wednesday, March 25, and follow talks with the Ospreys. If agreed, works could start in April so that the Ospreys can use the stadium next season.
The council’s legal action against the Welsh Rugby Union’s proposed deal for Y11 to buy Cardiff Rugby continues.
