**Ospreys CEO Lance Bradley Confident in Club’s Prospects Amid WRU Funding Changes**
The Ospreys’ chief executive, Lance Bradley, has offered a measured perspective on the regional rugby club’s future, expressing confidence despite a backdrop of significant change and uncertainty brought about by the Welsh Rugby Union’s (WRU) new funding arrangements. This development comes as the WRU recently announced a shift away from providing equal financial support to all four Welsh professional teams, a decision which has left both the Ospreys and the Scarlets in a difficult position.
Earlier this week, it was revealed that Cardiff and the Dragons have signed on to a new Professional Rugby Agreement (PRA), ensuring them fixed funding levels and substantial debt relief for the next three years. In contrast, the Ospreys and Scarlets declined to sign the restructured deal, citing objections chiefly arising from the WRU’s recent acquisition of Cardiff Rugby and concerns over future governance.
As a consequence, both the Ospreys and Scarlets remain governed by the previous PRA, which now leaves them facing reduced financial backing. There is also the looming threat of substantial financial clawbacks by the WRU. These developments have fuelled speculation that the number of professional rugby regions in Wales could be cut from four to three—or possibly even two.
Despite the financial and strategic uncertainty, Bradley remains steadfast. Speaking to BBC Radio Wales, he said, “We are still engaged in dialogue with the WRU about the current impasse. If we didn’t believe a positive outcome was feasible, our approach to club plans would certainly look very different.” His comments came as the Ospreys confirmed that they are pressing ahead with their relocation and redevelopment plans at St Helen’s in Swansea, having made a formal planning application to rejuvenate the iconic venue.
Bradley further clarified that their reservations about the new PRA revolve less around the contract specifics and more about structural concerns related to Cardiff’s change of ownership and administration. “This issue centres around Cardiff’s entry into administration and subsequent takeover by the WRU,” he explained. The WRU, for its part, has responded by taking the proposed PRA 25 deal off the table for both clubs and enacting a two-year notice clause in the current agreement. These actions have intensified speculation regarding a further reduction in the number of top-tier Welsh rugby clubs, a scenario that has the backing of United Rugby Championship (URC) CEO Martin Anayi, who has stated the league will support Welsh rugby through whatever transition is ultimately agreed.
However, Bradley is not ready to cede ground to the idea of further shrinkage. “I saw Martin Anayi’s comments and, honestly, that’s exactly what I’d expect given the WRU’s status as a URC shareholder. While close cooperation is sensible, it doesn’t predetermine the outcome for Welsh regional rugby,” he stated.
Turning to the current mood within the Ospreys, Bradley acknowledged the sense of anxiety among supporters and staff alike. “It’s understandable that everyone is unsettled in these circumstances. We are working closely with the Scarlets and endeavouring to keep fans informed as much as possible. While a final resolution remains out of reach, I am hopeful that a positive solution is on the horizon.”
Despite the turbulence behind the scenes, the Ospreys continue to strengthen their squad for next season. The highly regarded Wales and British & Irish Lions flanker Ross Moriarty has been secured from Brive, and Queensland Reds skipper Ryan Smith has also been recruited, signalling that the club is not standing still.
Nonetheless, Bradley admitted the uncertainty makes longer-term planning problematic. “There’s no denying this makes forward planning more challenging,” he said. “It’s frustrating – particularly as we believe much of this could have been avoided. Professional sport, however, is rarely straightforward, and setbacks are inevitable. For our part, we are simply navigating this particular bump in the road with determination.”
The Ospreys, alongside their new signings and ambitious plans to make St Helen’s their new home by December, remain optimistic in the face of an evolving landscape for Welsh rugby—one which is likely to see further twists yet. Observers across Welsh sport and beyond will be watching closely to see how events unfold in the coming months for this storied club.