URC: Ospreys 24-24 Lions – Welsh side share spoils after painful week

The Ospreys are currently playing away to Bridgend this season with a crowd of 4,052 turning up to watch in wet and windy conditions.

Fans were asked to light their phone torches in the 11th minute as a message to say they “will not ignore the disgraceful treatment of Ospreys players, staff and supporters”.

The crowd responded and there were loud boos directed at the rugby captains.

Ospreys staff have been in tears this week not knowing what the future holds and fans have shared in that frustration.

Lyn Jones, from the Ospreys Supporters Club, said she was frustrated by the WRU and the Y11.

“I’m emotional, angry and upset, it’s devastating,” she told BBC Wales Today.

“Silence from the WRU – it didn’t happen.”

Ospreys Supporters Club Chair Sarah Collins-Davies added: “It’s been an emotional week for the fans, but I can’t imagine how difficult it must have been for the players and coaches.

Ospreys supporter Annette Davies says she fears for the future because there are so many unanswered questions.

“There has to be clarity,” Davis said.

“We’ve been told there will be an Ospreys team next season – what does that mean? Will we finish next season? Will we get the players who will have a season, because we have a lot of players who are out of contract.

“Who would want to sign for us? Knowing that they might not be here at the end of next season.”

The Ospreys have produced Welsh, British and Irish internationals such as Alun Wyn Jones, Dan Biggar, Adam Jones, Shane Williams and Justin Tipuric and have attracted star names such as Justin Marshall, Tommy Bowe, Gerry Collins, Marty Haula and Ryan Jones.

They are the most successful Welsh team in terms of titles since the inception of provincial rugby in 2003, although they won their last cup in 2012.

Glorious past. But it remains to be seen what the uncertain future looks like.