Swansea Council and Ospreys Rugby are in a heated debate over the club’s future. Rob Stewart, Council leader, insists the Welsh Rugby Union has indicated the Ospreys have “no viable future”—a claim strongly denied by Ospreys CEO Lance Bradley.
The tension escalated after a meeting which left both sides claiming different outcomes. Concerns are growing among fans about the club’s fate. Swansea Council had planned a £5m investment into St Helen’s redevelopment, but this is now on hold. Stewart says this decision is due to uncertainties about Ospreys’ future, as their owners, Y11, are in the process of acquiring Cardiff.
Bradley, in an email to staff, called Stewart’s statement “categorically incorrect” and expressed frustration over the council sharing contents of what was supposed to be a confidential meeting. He remains optimistic, assuring staff he would have informed them if there was truly no future for the team.
Stewart remains firm, stating the council is exploring all options, which might even include legal action, and believes Bradley’s claims will be proved wrong. He urges the Ospreys and WRU to provide assurances about the team’s future post-2027 for the sake of the fans and the community.
The council is poised to move forward with its redevelopment plans if the situation clarifies, promising more updates soon. In the meantime, the Ospreys’ faithful await news on whether their beloved team will continue playing regional rugby in Wales.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds. 🏉✨ #Ospreys #SwanseaCouncil #RugbyDebate