Swansea Council and the Ospreys have agreed a pioneering new model that will transform rugby in the city from the grassroots game through to the elite level.
The council’s Cabinet this week approved a joint investment to revitalise the historic St Helen’s ground, creating a dual home for professional rugby and one of Wales’s most accessible and inclusive community rugby hubs.
It is believed to be the first agreement of its kind in the UK, with a local authority and a professional rugby team joining forces to invest in the sport at every level.
Under the partnership, the council will fund community‑focused improvements including a new pitch and upgraded floodlights, while the Ospreys will invest in professional‑level facilities such as a new stand, fan zone and broadcast infrastructure.
Rugby legend Alun Wyn Jones will join a new Swansea Rugby Community Board, established to oversee the collaboration and maximise the benefits for grassroots rugby and the wider community.
Cllr Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council, said, “The uncertainty caused by the WRU’s proposals to axe one region, and the prolonged discussions around the sale of Cardiff Rugby, is affecting confidence in the game from grassroots through to the regions.
“The Ospreys are a massive part of our culture. They are Wales’s most successful region, they deliver fantastic work in the community, and they bring £15 million into the local economy every year.
“Welsh rugby cannot afford to lose the Ospreys. That’s why we have stepped up and secured this agreement, which we believe is a blueprint for how rugby can thrive in our region and across Wales.
“By investing in St Helen’s, the council is creating a fantastic facility for the community, opening the doors to schools, local clubs and young players taking their first steps in the game.
“The Ospreys will also invest to create a modern stadium capable of attracting crowds back to regional rugby at one of the UK’s most iconic grounds.
“Working in partnership, we will deliver a community programme that inspires young people and creates a clear pathway from school and local club rugby through to the Ospreys.”
Work on a new state‑of‑the‑art 4G playing surface will begin shortly, enabling the Ospreys to play at St Helen’s next season. The Ospreys will use the pitch for match days and weekly team run‑outs, while Swansea RFC, schools, clubs and community groups will have access throughout the rest of the week.
A key part of the initiative is the Ospreys’ commitment to significantly expand their community programme, offering club nights, school sessions, open training events and coaching development opportunities. Year‑round access will support junior and youth rugby, Swansea RFC and local clubs.
Cllr Stewart added, “This model strengthens the player pathway by linking clubs, schools, colleges and the Ospreys Academy.
“Alun Wyn Jones came through grassroots rugby in Swansea to become captain the British and Irish Lions. Having such a rugby icon board will be invaluable in ensuring we get the right pathway for our children and delivering on our commitment to community rugby.
“This is a bold, innovative approach that we believe is unmatched anywhere in the UK and will boost rugby at every level in Swansea and across the region.”
The joint initiative aims 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
The Council’s legal action regarding the Welsh Rugby Union’s proposed deal for Y11 to purchase Cardiff Rugby is ongoing.
