The atmosphere was tense as Ospreys fans took to the streets of Bridgend on Saturday, voicing their fury with shouts of “Shame on you” directed at the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) and the club’s owners, Y11. Hundreds turned out to protest against plans that could see the Ospreys disappear from professional rugby after June 2027. This passionate display of frustration comes on the heels of the announcement that Y11 is set to buy rival Cardiff, leaving supporters worried for the future of their beloved team.
On the pitch, however, the Ospreys served up a dramatic victory against the Dragons with Keelan Giles scoring a thrilling last-minute try, sealing a 19-13 comeback win in the United Rugby Championship clash. As emotions ran high, fans made their presence felt both outside the stadium and inside, with lights held aloft in the 11th minute to mark their protest.
Former Ospreys stars Shane Williams and Ian Gough lent their voices to the cause, addressing the crowd and criticising the WRU’s proposed changes. “We will do whatever it takes to hopefully ensure the Ospreys continue to exist,” said Williams, who has been a vocal opponent of the plans.
The Ospreys Supporters Club organised the event, with placards denouncing Y11 and the WRU as ‘traitors’. The protest wasn’t just a public display; it was a heartfelt plea from fans and local leaders alike, urging the rugby world to recognise the significance and legacy of the Ospreys. Many warned that losing the Ospreys would be a step too far, with some fans considering walking away from Welsh rugby altogether.
While fans rallied passionately off the field, the team on the field showed resilience and courage, with hopes that this emotional win could be a rallying cry for the continued existence of the club. The future may be uncertain, but the support is unwavering.🔵🏉 #Ospreys #RugbyFamily #WelshRugby #URC #StandWithOspreys
