**Ospreys Chief Responds to Concerns Over St Helen’s Redevelopment Amid Political Scrutiny**
The chief executive of the Ospreys rugby team, Lance Bradley, has expressed his surprise at concerns raised by Carmarthenshire politicians over the planned redevelopment of St Helen’s ground in Swansea. The controversy follows the regional side’s announcement that it will move from the Swansea.com Stadium to the historic St Helen’s site, with hopes to relocate before the end of the year.
Earlier this week, Swansea city council granted planning permission for the regeneration of St Helen’s, a venue steeped in sporting history and famously known as the site of Wales’ first home rugby international. The Ospreys have positioned the move as a vital step towards securing their long-term future, and as a catalyst for a new era of rugby in the city.
However, the news has sparked anxiety in some quarters, particularly among politicians representing west Wales constituencies. Plaid Cymru’s Ann Davies, Member of the Senedd Cefin Campbell, and Labour MP Nia Griffith have publicly questioned the possible consequences for neighbouring teams, specifically Llanelli’s Scarlets, whose home ground Parc y Scarlets lies only a short distance away.
These figures have urged the Welsh government to scrutinise the decision. Scarlets Supporters’ Trust also added its voice to the opposition. In a radio interview, Senedd Member Cefin Campbell questioned the necessity of having two rugby stadiums so close together, when a ‘perfectly good’ venue exists in Llanelli. He suggested that this development could threaten the vibrancy of rugby not just in Carmarthenshire, but across west Wales, warning of the risk of Parc y Scarlets and the wider rugby scene “becoming dormant”.
In response, Ospreys CEO Lance Bradley was unflustered by the comments. Speaking publicly, Bradley said he was “flattered” by the implication that the Ospreys alone could influence the future of rugby in Llanelli. He was keen to point out that St Helen’s is not a brand new venue, but a storied landmark in Welsh rugby and cricket. The plans centre on refurbishment and modernisation, undertaken with a commitment to respect the ground’s tradition and heritage.
Bradley also emphasised that the intended transformation would benefit not just the Ospreys, but Swansea RFC, Swansea University, and, crucially, the wider local community. According to Bradley, an essential aspect of the proposal is to create a space accessible for a range of local activities, as encouraged by Swansea Council during the planning process.
Addressing concerns about the timing of the objections, Bradley stated that the move had been in the works for over a year and had not been kept secret. He expressed surprise that Carmarthenshire’s representatives would only raise their reservations now, rather than earlier in the planning process. Despite this, he acknowledged their right to voice such concerns.
Some have speculated that the move is linked to the ongoing consultation by the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU), which is considering a possible reduction in the number of professional sides. Bradley robustly denied any suggestion that the Ospreys were given inside information from the governing body, describing the process as transparent and involving all relevant clubs equally.
Despite the criticism from a select group of politicians, Bradley was adamant that the Ospreys remained fully committed to the move. He insisted that the reaction from supporters, club staff, Swansea Council, and the general public had been overwhelmingly positive, and said that this local enthusiasm was the club’s primary concern as plans progress.
The debate highlights ongoing tensions around the structure of professional rugby in Wales, particularly as regions face challenges regarding financial sustainability and community engagement. As the Ospreys prepare for a significant new chapter at St Helen’s, the issue serves as a reminder of the broader discussions about the future shape of the sport in the nation.
While the move garners support in Swansea, its ultimate impact—both on neighbouring clubs and the Welsh rugby landscape as a whole—remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that St Helen’s will continue to attract attention, both as a venue of historic significance and as a focal point for future ambition.