Six Nations 2026: Crisis-hit Welsh rugby aims to halt a worrying decline

Alun Wyn Jones was part of Twickenham’s triumphs in 2008, 2012 and 2015 and captained Wales when they were at the top of the world.

This week he found himself sitting at a council meeting in Swansea – alongside current and former players – to discuss whether the Ospreys would remain a top-flight side beyond next year.

News that Ospreys owners Y11 Sport and Media have been selected as the preferred bidder by the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) to buy rivals Cardiff, who enter administration in 2025, has sent shockwaves through Welsh rugby.

With the WRU committed to cutting off the men’s professional side, the Ospreys’ existence is in doubt.

The region covers proud rugby regions of Swansea, Neath, Aberavon, Maesteg and Bridgend, and there has been widespread criticism of the WFL’s plans from current players, coaches and staff, who say they have been left in the dark.

There were political denunciations, petitions and protests from supporters and former players, public meetings and threats of legal action from Swansea Council.

As a result, the proposed restructuring of the Welsh game has attracted most of the headlines in the turbulent build-up to the Six Nations, linked to the fascination over why Welsh rugby has fallen into the abyss.

English, French and Irish journalists and broadcasters traveled to Wales to try to establish the reasons for the Welsh game being in such a state.

In previous years, the odds for the Six Nations opener against England at Twickenham, now called Allianz Stadium, would have filled the airwaves and columns.

On this occasion, the match in Wales was not mentioned as much as the off-field issues affecting Welsh rugby.

The belief that there was a huge gap between the rivals left Tandy’s side with little hope against an England side that embarrassed Wales 10 months ago with a 68-14 thrashing in Cardiff.