💥 Big news for Ospreys fans! Swansea Council has revealed that the Ospreys’ days as a professional rugby team might be numbered unless some big changes happen. The council has kicked off legal proceedings against Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) and Y11 Sport and Media to try and halt current plans, which could see the team merge with Swansea RFC and drop to semi-professional status. 😲
In a crucial meeting, it was confirmed that due to looming overhauls, the Ospreys could cease being a professional team after next season. However, there’s a glimmer of hope as Swansea Council is urging WRU to reconsider these changes, arguing they aren’t fair competition-wise and lack transparency.
Excitingly, there’s talk that St Helen’s, the iconic Swansea rugby ground, could be redeveloped. Aside from hosting semi-pro games, it might even become the home for a new women’s professional team and host U-20 internationals. However, these plans are on hold as the council seeks assurances about future professional rugby in the city before releasing a promised £5m redevelopment fund.
This funding tug-of-war comes amid the council’s claims that cutting regions from four to three, favouring Cardiff and the Dragons, creates an unfair playing field. They argue this move disadvantages Ospreys and could breach UK competition laws, with Swansea potentially losing out economically. 🏉
Swansea Council promises to fight for the city and its rugby legacy. This is a developing story, so we’ll keep you posted on what happens next! What do you think about this shake-up in Welsh rugby? Let us know your thoughts below! 👇 #Ospreys #SwanseaRugby #WelshRugbyUnion #StHelensRugby