Welsh Rugby: Swansea Council’s proposal calls for the return of the WRU Ospreys

This Board is very concerned about the WRU’s plan to reduce regional rugby from four teams to three. It will have a significant impact on sport and wellbeing in the Swansea Bay area and will negatively impact the economy of Swansea and South Wales.

We are particularly concerned about the impacts caused by the WRU plan [for] The future of the Ospreys as a regional team, after the WRU confirmed that the Y11 team are negotiating to buy Cardiff Rugby from the WRU. The Council is concerned about recent developments that have deviated significantly from the approach taken by the World Telecommunication Union. [and] It is neither fair nor transparent.

The WRU claimed there was not enough money or talent in Wales to continue in four regions. They never provided detailed evidence to support this statement. We believe there are sufficient resources within the WRU to fund four successful regions moving forward. The WRU received over £20 million more than the Irish Rugby Football Union, which held four regions and was highly successful at regional and national/international level.

Given the importance of protecting the future of Welsh rugby, recognizing the impact on Swansea residents and future generations’ well-being and the significant concerns expressed by fans, players, clubs and the wider public in relation to the WRU’s current proposals, we urge the WRU to immediately reconsider its approach. [and] Withdrew its proposal to reduce the number of professional regional rugby teams in Wales from four to three.

This Council resolves that we:

We fully endorse and support the statements made by the Leader and Board following the meeting with the WRU and Ospreys CEOs.

We fully support the Council in taking any reasonable measures to ensure the Ospreys’ future as a regional professional team to continue playing for Swansea. This includes any appropriate legal action to prevent the WRU ending regional rugby at Swansea.

We support any efforts the Board may wish to take to explore opportunities to encourage, promote and develop women’s rugby to be played in Swansea, but this must be in addition to retaining the Ospreys as a regional rugby team based in Swansea.

We support the Council in its commitment to the redevelopment of St Helens to support the creation of a modern and enhanced rugby venue to meet the aspirations of the Ospreys region to return to St Helens. This does not stop the Ospreys from negotiating the use of Swansea’s grounds for individual games if they need to.

We ask that the relevant captain or officials write to the WRU, Ospreys, Y11, World Rugby or any other relevant party to explain the Board’s position and request assistance in taking any necessary action to protect regional rugby in Swansea, and the future success of rugby at all levels in Wales.