**Ospreys CEO Criticises WRU Policy Shift but Stands Firm on Move to St Helen’s**
The Ospreys’ chief executive, Lance Bradley, has set out his position in a frank open letter to supporters, responding to recent upheavals in Welsh rugby and voicing deep concern over the Welsh Rugby Union’s (WRU) unexpected change of course. In a move that has sent shockwaves throughout the rugby community, Bradley accused the WRU of retreating from its agreed “One Wales” vision, and affirmed his club’s determination to push ahead with their planned relocation to St Helen’s, Swansea.
Relations between the professional regional clubs and the WRU appear to have entered a turbulent phase, after the Union made a dramatic announcement on Sunday following reports by WalesOnline the previous night. The ongoing uncertainty has been fuelled by the refusal of both Ospreys and Scarlets to sign the latest Professional Rugby Agreement (PRA), citing concerns that moves by the Union might disproportionately favour Cardiff — whom the WRU recently took into direct ownership — at the expense of other regions.
In his address to the Ospreys’ fanbase, Bradley expressed gratitude for the steadfast support shown by the Swansea-based side’s loyal followers. However, his statement did not shy away from forthright criticism, detailing his disappointment at the WRU’s abandonment of key elements of a funding model developed collaboratively by all four professional Welsh clubs over the past year.
“It was both surprising and disappointing to witness the WRU’s abrupt shift away from the established strategy, particularly their commitment to the principle of ‘four teams, equally funded’ in professional Welsh rugby,” wrote Bradley. He noted that such a U-turn has only deepened the sense of uncertainty surrounding the game’s future, affecting not just the players and coaching staff, but also the supporters and communities who back the regional sides.
Despite the current atmosphere of doubt, the Ospreys boss moved to reassure supporters that the club’s vision remained unchanged. He reiterated the team’s readiness to forge ahead with the move to St Helen’s, emphasising continued cooperation with Swansea Council on the planned redevelopment work at the historic ground.
“We are unwavering in our commitment to creating a future for the Ospreys that is sustainable, competitive, and vibrant,” Bradley declared. “We take enormous pride in our identity, our values, and our contribution to Welsh rugby,” he added, drawing attention to the importance of solidarity in the face of adversity.
While acknowledging that there remain “many unanswered questions” about the WRU’s shifting strategy, Bradley struck a determined tone, pledging that the Ospreys would persist in championing the interests of both their club and the wider game in Wales. He urged supporters to continue rallying behind the region, whether at the stadium, from home, or simply in spirit.
“The objective remains clear: to build a robust and sustainable future for this club, and to make our supporters proud each step of the way,” he said. “Every Ospreys fan, in whatever form they support us, is part of this journey. We will emerge from this even stronger.”
The developments have already provoked widespread debate within Welsh rugby, with many voices questioning the ramifications of the WRU’s recent decisions for the stability and competitiveness of the regions, especially those that have so far declined to endorse the new PRA.
As the broader question of Welsh rugby’s long-term structure hangs in the balance, attention now turns to how both the WRU and the regions will navigate these choppy waters. The Ospreys’ open communication is likely to provide a focal point for discussions among supporters and other stakeholders, as the club prepares to embark on its next chapter at St Helen’s.
This challenging period marks a critical juncture for professional rugby in Wales, with the actions of both governing bodies and clubs in the months ahead set to define the shape of the regional game for years to come. The Ospreys, for their part, appear poised to meet that future head-on — regardless of the obstacles presented by off-field turmoil.