#st-helens-stadium — Public Fediverse posts

WRU: Swansea council leader likens licence report to counting fans’ Ninja airfryers

Swansea’s council leader has dismissed the evidence behind the WRU’s licence decisions as “selective criteria, poor data and questionable assumptions”.

Cllr Rob Stewart said the measures in the union’s newly published Keystone report had about as much to do with success on the pitch as counting airfryers.

He wrote on Facebook: “They may as well have included measures like ‘We looked at how many Travelodges are in a 10 mile radius of Ikea’ or ‘How many supporters own a Ninja airfryer’ for all the relevance to Welsh rugby success the chosen data measures have.”

The Welsh Rugby Union published the report on Friday alongside its board’s reasons for handing Cardiff and the Dragons two of its three licences from the 2028/29 season.

It puts the Ospreys bottom of Wales’ four professional clubs on revenue and crowds, but top on results since 2003/04.

“A trap we can’t fall into”

The report’s release was “aimed at getting the regions arguing with one another”, Stewart said.

He added: “It’s a trap we can’t fall into. It’s meant to distract us!”

That leaves the Ospreys and the Scarlets competing for the single west Wales licence. The union says it will announce the outcome by the end of June 2027.

The summary published alongside the report was “selective in its extracts”, he said, urging people to read the full report.

Swansea Council’s legal action “continues”

In July, when the first two licences were handed out, Stewart complained they had been announced “without any consultation or publishing any supporting evidence”.

Now that the evidence is out, his message is the same. “This does not change the key points! Our legal action continues,” he wrote.

The council paused its High Court challenge at the end of May after the union said no licence decisions had been made. In August it said it was resuming the case, saying assurances it had been given were broken.

Swansea Council has committed £5.1m to rebuilding St Helen’s as the Ospreys’ home.

What Keystone found on Swansea and Llanelli

In July, Stewart argued that Newport and Cardiff were the natural pair to merge, with the Ospreys and the Scarlets kept apart in Swansea and Llanelli.

Keystone’s drive-time figures show more overlap in the west than the east. It found 68.4% of premises in the west Wales cluster are within a 30-minute drive of both St Helen’s and Parc y Scarlets, against 47.7% for Cardiff and Newport.

The WRU board said it gave more weight to factors unlikely to change, such as population and accessibility, and less to results and finances.

“Unfit to continue”

A well-run union could keep four teams, the council leader said. He wrote: “We know if the WRU is run effectively it can support 4 successful regional teams in Wales.”

He repeated his call for the board and chief executive Abi Tierney to go, saying they were “unfit to continue and should resign”.

The union needed “new leadership that can grow Welsh rugby and create an environment to make the game successful again at all levels”, he said.

What the WRU says

The WRU says openness and transparency are “a vital part of the process”, and that its new website will be updated as the licensing process develops.

It says it has about £20m a year for the men’s professional game, and that funding four clubs at £6.5m each is “unsustainable beyond 2028”.

Its next step is a “State of the Game” summit in early December for the boards of all four clubs and the union’s leadership.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

WRU: Licence report puts Ospreys bottom on money and crowds, but top on results
What the Keystone report says about all four clubs.

WRU: Council leader calls on Abi Tierney to quit over leaked Ospreys-Scarlets merger tape
Stewart’s response when the first two licences were handed out in July.

WRU: Council restarts legal fight after union ‘broke assurances’ over Ospreys
Why Swansea Council took its High Court challenge off pause.

WRU: Cardiff and Dragons safe as Ospreys and Scarlets left fighting for one west Wales licence
The July decision at the centre of the row.

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Every story on the union and the west Wales licence fight.

WRU: Licence report puts Ospreys bottom on money and crowds, but top on results

The independent report the WRU used to hand Cardiff and the Dragons their licences is now public. It puts the Ospreys last of Wales’ four professional clubs on money and crowds, but first on results.

The union has also put a date on the decision Swansea and Llanelli are waiting for. It says it will announce by the end of June 2027 who gets the single west Wales licence, the Ospreys or the Scarlets.

The Welsh Rugby Union has made public the work of its consultants, Keystone, alongside its board’s reasons for the July decision and a timetable running to the 2028/29 season.

Keystone report: Ospreys lowest of the four on revenue and crowds

Keystone compared the four clubs on six factors: population and accessibility, fan support and heritage, rugby infrastructure, player pathways, sporting performance and financial sustainability.

On money, the Ospreys came out bottom. Keystone puts their revenue for 2024/25 at £9.2m, against £10.2m for the Scarlets, £11.8m for the Dragons and £11.9m for Cardiff.

The gap is wider on the money clubs earn for themselves from sponsorship, matchdays and other income. The Ospreys made £1.7m, “less than half” the Cardiff and Dragons figures, Keystone found.

The Scarlets made £3.2m, and all four clubs ran at a loss that season, according to Keystone.

Crowds were lowest at the Ospreys too, averaging 4,900 in 2024/25 against 6,600 at the Scarlets, according to WRU figures.

Those Ospreys crowds were at the Swansea.com Stadium, before a season in Bridgend ahead of the move to St Helen’s. Keystone warns they “may not be representative of its future position”.

Ospreys top the Welsh results table since 2003

On the pitch, the picture flips. Ranking the four Welsh sides against each other every season since 2003/04, Keystone gives the Ospreys the best average finish, 1.9, just ahead of the Scarlets on 2.0.

Its table starts in the only season the Celtic Warriors played. The region, built on Bridgend and Pontypridd, was wound up in 2004, and Keystone does not mention it.

The Ospreys have won four league titles in that time and the Scarlets two, while Cardiff and the Dragons have won none. Cardiff are the only Welsh club to have won a European trophy: the Challenge Cup, twice.

A 2018 survey estimated the Ospreys had 296,000 supporters, close behind Cardiff’s 306,000 and ahead of the Scarlets’ 235,000. Keystone warns the survey may be out of date.

St Helen’s and Parc y Scarlets: 30 minutes apart, sharing a catchment

On the WRU’s own catchment figures, the Ospreys region has 540,000 people against 387,000 for the Scarlets. Cardiff’s is the biggest at 937,000, with the Dragons on 594,000.

Keystone puts St Helen’s and Parc y Scarlets about 30 minutes apart by road, with 68.4% of premises in the west Wales cluster within a 30-minute drive of both.

On Keystone’s figures, about 401,000 people live within a 30-minute drive of St Helen’s, against 388,000 for Parc y Scarlets. Rodney Parade and Cardiff Arms Park each have more than 660,000.

By train, Keystone puts St Helen’s ahead: the average journey from across Wales, weighted by population, is 118 minutes against 160 for Parc y Scarlets.

On facilities, Keystone calls the Ospreys’ stadium position “transitional”, with St Helen’s still being rebuilt. The ground is owned by Swansea Council, and the club’s training base is rented from Neath Port Talbot College.

Heritage: Scarlets “deep”, Ospreys “still developing”

Each club gets a short heritage verdict. For the Scarlets it is “deep heritage and strong place identity”; for the Ospreys, “regional-era success, but a more complex identity”.

Keystone traces the Scarlets back to Llanelli RFC, founded in 1872. It says Parc y Scarlets “deliberately carries forward the Stradey Park legacy” as “a visible expression of Scarlets history, supporters and West Wales identity”.

The Ospreys’ cultural value, it says, lies in “the attempt to unite historic rugby communities across Neath, Swansea and the wider area”. The move to St Helen’s “offers an opportunity to create a stronger home identity, but that connection is still developing”.

In a 2019 survey Keystone draws on, the Scarlets region had the highest share of people going to professional rugby, at 43%, and the strongest interest in the Wales team.

Keystone does not mention the Welsh language, which Scarlets managing director Jon Daniels listed as part of the club’s case in August.

Its overall verdict is that all four clubs have “meaningful cultural value”, but heritage is “partly unquantifiable, with no Club clearly stronger or weaker”.

The WRU board went further. Fan support and heritage did not fit neatly with the other factors “due largely to the tribalism of Welsh rugby”, it said.

That tribalism might not normally change, the board added, but “it will have to change due to the move from four to three clubs”.

Why the WRU board kept Cardiff and the Dragons

In July the board gave “greater weightings” to things unlikely to change, such as population, accessibility and infrastructure. Finances, player pathways and results counted for less, because the union expects those to improve under the new model.

On that basis, the capital and the east had the biggest local markets and the best rail links. The board handed Cardiff and the Dragons the first two licences, subject to final terms.

It accepted the Dragons had the poorest record on some measures of results and of producing Wales players. But it said those were “precisely the factors which are expected to improve”.

The union’s executive “expressly recognised” that any benefit to the WRU as Cardiff’s owner “should not form any part of this decision”, the WRU says.

One board member stood aside: the Professional Rugby Board’s representative, “due to their position on the PRB”. The WRU does not say whether any member with links to Cardiff declared an interest.

Gwyn Williams, the Plaid Cymru MS for Gŵyr Abertawe, demanded the Keystone report and the board paper last month. He also asked for minutes showing which Cardiff-connected members stood aside.

The WRU now confirms Keystone was brought in in June 2026, eight months after the board’s October 2025 decision to move to three clubs, as his letter claimed.

The question Keystone was not asked: why four becomes three

Keystone did not test the cut itself. It says its work “does not directly assess that strategic decision”, and proceeds on the basis that there will be three clubs.

That was the evidence Daniels also demanded, saying the clubs needed to understand why four teams must become three in the first place.

Reform UK, which brought Wednesday’s Senedd debate, had asked the Culture and Sport Minister to get the union to publish an independently checked business case for three teams against four before licensing starts in December.

The union’s own case is about money. It says it has about £20m a year for the men’s professional game, and is paying the four clubs £6.5m each for the next two years, which it calls “unsustainable beyond 2028”.

Split three ways, that £20m comes to £6.7m per club, the union says.

West Wales licence: summit in December, decision by June 2027

How the west licence will be awarded has still to be decided. The union says it wants to reach the three-club model “by consensus”, working with all four clubs through the Professional Rugby Board.

If all four want to take part, it says, “there will be a licence award process in the first half of 2027 in a format determined by the WRU Board, reflecting the positions reached by that point”.

The talking starts at a “State of the Game” summit in early December, the meeting director of rugby Dave Reddin trailed last month. The boards of all four clubs will sit down with the WRU’s leadership, with an independent facilitator.

Workshops in the new year will draw up the licence rules for the board to consider in March, with the award itself due to be settled and announced by the end of June 2027.

Reports in July had pointed to a decision by March. On the new timetable, March settles the rules rather than the winner, leaving a full year to prepare for the 2028/29 season.

Player contracts are protected, the union says. It has underwritten all existing deals, and the three clubs will run squads of up to 45.

Its published answers also leave room to change course. Decisions so far were “based on the information available to the WRU at the relevant time”, it says, and it “reserves its right to reassess matters should there be new developments”.

Swansea Council’s High Court challenge against the union is ongoing.

The documents are on the union’s new website, futurerugby.cymru (external link, opens in a new tab), which it says will be updated as the licence process develops.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

WRU: Cardiff and Dragons safe as Ospreys and Scarlets left fighting for one west Wales licence
The July decision Keystone’s work was used to support.

WRU: Swansea Senedd member demands proof Cardiff-linked board members sat out licence votes
Gwyn Williams asked for the Keystone report and the board minutes.

SCARLETS: Boss rules out Ospreys merger and demands WRU publish its evidence
Jon Daniels on why four must become three.

WRU: Reddin insists cut to three teams is happening, blaming ‘brutal economics’
The director of rugby on the December summit.

More WRU coverage from Swansea Bay News
Every story on the union and the west Wales licence fight.

OSPREYS AND SCARLETS: Minister says she can’t save a region as Senedd fails to agree a single word on Welsh rugby’s future

The Senedd spent an hour debating the future of regional rugby on Wednesday, and failed to come to an agreement. The Ospreys and Scarlets are no safer this morning, and the Welsh Government has said in terms that it cannot save a region.

Culture and Sport Minister Heledd Fychan told the Chamber she shared every concern raised about the WRU‘s plan to cut the men’s game from four teams to three. But asked to ensure all four regions survive, she said: “I can’t give that assurance. That’s what you’re asking me to do.”

“We can’t, as a Government, direct the WRU to maintain a specific structure for the professional game,” she said. She had challenged the union to show its decisions were “transparent, evidence-based and sustainable” and that the impact on players, fans, staff and communities had been considered “before any decision is made, not afterwards”.

The union confirmed in July that Cardiff and the Dragons will be offered two of the three licences from 2028, leaving the Ospreys and Scarlets to fight for the third. Its licensing process starts in December.

‘With respect, the record shows that it has’

Fychan’s case rests on the WRU being independent of government. Much of the debate was about how much public money is already in the game.

Louise Emery, the Reform UK MS who moved the motion, listed it: £13.5m of Welsh Government survival funding in 2021, split £2.7m each between the union and the four regions; £475,000 in 2022; £1.8m for the national stadium in 2024; and nearly £435,000 from Sport Wales this year.

Swansea Council has approved £5.1m to rebuild St Helen’s with a 50-year lease for the Ospreys, and the city deal has added £771,000, she said. Carmarthenshire Council owns Parc y Scarlets and lent the club £2.4m, still being repaid.

“When the Minister told this Chamber last month that the Government does not fund professional sports teams, with respect, the record shows that it has,” she said.

She asked the Minister for three things: to get the WRU to publish its business case for three teams against four, independently checked, before licensing begins in December; a full public record of every grant, loan and stadium investment and the conditions attached; and a Government assessment of the impact on jobs, businesses, community programmes and player pathways.

What Swansea and Llanelli stand to lose

“What happens to St Helen’s, where 90 per cent of availability of the ground is meant for community use?” Emery asked. “Who pays the rent? Who fills the stands? What happens to Parc y Scarlets and the council loans still being repaid?” She listed the academies, the coaches and physios, Ospreys in the Community, and “the hotels, the pubs, the cafes and the taxis”.

Steven Rodaway, Reform’s MS for Gŵyr Abertawe, said: “We support the Ospreys. We support keeping all four professional rugby teams in Wales.” Saving the Ospreys “should never mean sacrificing the Scarlets”.

He said the Minister’s written answer to him had confirmed the Government had done no assessment of the economic or community impact. “Business rate support is welcome, but a pub needs customers.”

Carmelo Colasanto, Reform’s MS for Sir Gaerfyrddin, said losing the Scarlets “would be the final nail in the coffin for Llanelli town centre, a town that has already lost too much”. Match-day trade “does not move somewhere else in Llanelli, it simply disappears”.

He named Mervyn Davies, Scott Gibbs, Scott Quinnell, Ray Gravell and Phil Bennett. “These clubs are not franchises to be shuffled around a map. You cannot rebuild 150 years of sporting heritage. Once it’s gone, it’s gone forever.”

Steve Bayliss, Reform’s MS for Afan Ogwr Rhondda, said Aberavon were playing their 150th season with Ospreys players in their squad: “That is what a player pathway looks like in practice.” His constituency and the Minister’s “knows what losing a region feels like”: the Celtic Warriors, built on Bridgend and Pontypridd, were wound up in 2004 after one season.

‘A play-off for the west’

Colasanto said a WRU letter he received on 15 September called Cardiff and the Dragons the preferred licence holders “given that they are the incumbents”. “Well, the Scarlets and the Ospreys are also incumbents, so I don’t know how they came to that conclusion.”

The capital licence was earmarked for a club the WRU itself owns, he said, whose £2.4m loss was left out of the group’s adjusted operating figures. The union had promised “a fair and transparent tendering process” for three licences; instead two were earmarked and one contested. “This is not a level playing field. It is a play-off for the west.”

Paul Davies, for the Welsh Conservatives, made the same point: the WRU “has a conflict of interest as the owner of one of the four regional teams”. The reason it had not published its business case was “in all probability” that “the business case isn’t strong enough”. He put his party on record for four teams.

John Davies, Plaid Cymru‘s MS for Gŵyr Abertawe, called the Reform motion “a political points-scoring exercise” because the union is independent, then turned on the union’s finances. Ireland’s rugby union earned around £86m against the WRU’s £106m, he said, yet Ireland’s men were third in the world and Wales’s could not make the top ten. “If there’s nothing to hide, why are they hiding?”

The WRU was “meant to be the stewards of the grass roots”, he said. “The Welsh Rugby Union have become nothing but a bloated corporate body managing the game’s slow decline.”

The Plaid MS Gwyn Williams, who shares the Gŵyr Abertawe seat, has already written to the union demanding board minutes showing whether Cardiff-linked members stood aside from the licence votes.

‘Not within our remit’

Fychan said many of the questions were for the WRU, not her, and “it is important that the WRU listens to this debate today and responds to those concerns”. Lis McLean, Plaid’s MS for Pontypridd Cynon Merthyr, intervened on Reform: “What you’re asking for is not what’s within our remit.” The union was “coming before the committee again”, she said, and the motion was an attempt “to get some sort of feeling of ‘We love rugby'”.

Tata, and a press release

Closing for Reform, Llŷr Powell said the regions were worth an estimated £50m to £55m a year to the Welsh economy and the Government had intervened for employers before. “What role you have to play is the same as when Tata was going under. We stepped in to protect jobs.”

He said the Deputy First Minister had told the last Labour Government in February “you simply can’t wash your hands of this”, and the First Minister had recently argued that a Senedd motion on fair funding could “send a clear signal”. “We could have sent to the WRU today a clear message that this is unacceptable.”

Plaid had issued a press release during the election campaign calling for the Scarlets’ survival, he said. “And today, they’re saying that their Government can’t get involved. That is unacceptable.” Fychan replied: “You’re misrepresenting them.”

He called the WRU “the worst-run union right now” and said talent was already leaving for English leagues because of the uncertainty. “We’ll be back here when the danger comes if you don’t support them now, because we know the WRU will push this through.”

Then the votes

At voting time, an hour later, the Reform motion fell 44 to 43, with one abstention. The Government’s amendment, which replaced the commitment to four regions with a call for a “full assessment” of the social, community and economic consequences, tied 44-44.

Deputy Presiding Officer Kerry Ferguson used her casting vote against it, as the Senedd‘s rules require on a tie. “I’ve never done this before,” she said. The Senedd therefore agreed nothing.

The WRU’s director of rugby, Dave Reddin, said last month the cut to three teams was “the way forward” and the union was “really committed to it”. Swansea Council’s High Court challenge to the union is ongoing.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

WRU: Reddin insists cut to three teams is happening, blaming ‘brutal economics’
The union’s director of rugby on why the Ospreys and Scarlets must fight for one licence.

WRU: Swansea Senedd member demands proof Cardiff-linked board members sat out licence votes
Gwyn Williams’s letter to the union’s interim chair.

WRU: Cardiff and Dragons safe as Ospreys and Scarlets left fighting for one west Wales licence
The July decision at the centre of the row.

WRU
Every story on the union and the west Wales licence fight.

ST HELEN’S: Reopening slips three days as college games are moved out and Saturday’s crowd goes in one stand

The first rugby at the rebuilt St Helen’s has slipped from Wednesday to Saturday, and the first crowd will watch from one stand.

Gower College v Cardiff and Vale College and Swansea University v Bath, which were to open the ground on Wednesday 7 October, have been moved to other venues, the Ospreys said on Tuesday, along with Friday’s Dewar Shield match between Swansea Schoolboys’ two sides.

The club says the change is “to allow additional time for final operational sign-offs to be completed across the venue”.

That makes Swansea RFC’s Super Rygbi Cymru match against Ebbw Vale at 2.30pm on Saturday 10 October the reopening fixture, 150 years after the club first made the ground its home.

Saturday’s game will “operate from the JCP Solicitors Stand only”, the new stand on the Mumbles Road side, which the planning application describes as a purpose-built 1,938-seat stand with changing rooms, hospitality and media areas. Anyone with a ticket for the Family Stand or the Terrace will be contacted by Swansea RFC and given a seat there instead.

Everything from Monday 12 October stays as announced, the club says, including Swansea RFC v Cardiff RFC on Thursday 15 October, the fixture planned to draw the biggest crowd before the Ospreys arrive.

The Ospreys’ first game, against the Dragons, remains Saturday 24 October at 7pm, with Cardiff Rugby on Saturday 31 October at 7.45pm.

“Bringing areas of the venue into use as they are signed off”

Richard Lancaster, the Ospreys’ managing director for business, said: “Bringing a ground with this much history back to life is a major undertaking, and we are bringing areas of the venue into use as they are signed off.”

“We’re grateful to the teams and supporters affected this week for their understanding and flexibility, and we’re looking forward to welcoming competitive rugby back to St Helen’s from Saturday.”

“There is a fantastic programme ahead of us throughout October, culminating in our first two Ospreys home fixtures against the Dragons and Cardiff Rugby.”

A phased opening that was always built around approvals

When the October programme was announced on 19 September, the club said the ground would open in phases so that “a series of operational milestones and remaining venue approvals” could be completed before the Ospreys’ first game, and capped the first ticket allocation for the same reason.

Fifteen days before Wednesday’s planned opener, the new floodlights were still lying on the pitch, sand was going into the artificial surface and the steel for the new stand was going up.

The terrace will have no roof when the Ospreys move in: the club pushed a covered terrace to a later phase last month with no date, and offered terrace season members seats in the Family Stand.

The ground’s October programme has grown since September too: the Toyota Cheetahs will play their four Challenge Cup home games there in December and January, announced on Tuesday morning.

October at St Helen’s: the updated schedule

• Sat 10 Oct: Swansea RFC v Ebbw Vale, 2.30pm
• Wed 14 Oct: Gower College v Ystalyfera, 2.30pm
• Thu 15 Oct: Swansea RFC v Cardiff RFC, 7.30pm
• Fri 16 Oct: Ospreys in the Community girls’ rugby festival, closed event
• Fri 16 Oct: Ospreys season members’ event, from 4.30pm, closed
• Fri 16 Oct: Dewar Shield, Swansea Black v Bridgend and Swansea White v Pembrokeshire, 6.30pm
• Tue 20 Oct: Sporting Memories, 1.30pm to 3.30pm
• Tue 20 Oct: Founders Club event, from 3.45pm, closed
• Wed 21 Oct: Swansea University v Exeter University, 6.30pm
• Sat 24 Oct: Ospreys v Dragons, 7pm
• Sun 25 Oct: Ospreys in the Community walking rugby festival
• Mon 26 to Fri 30 Oct: Ospreys in the Community holiday camps
• Fri 30 Oct: Swansea RFC v Bridgend Ravens, 7.15pm
• Sat 31 Oct: Ospreys v Cardiff Rugby, 7.45pm

Correction, 6 October: this article originally gave the JCP Solicitors Stand as 1,000 seats, the figure Swansea Council’s leader used in a written answer in July. The planning application puts the purpose-built stand at 1,938 seats.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

ST HELEN’S: Rugby is back at the old ground on 7 October, and Gower College get first go at the new pitch – The programme as announced on 19 September.

ST HELEN’S: Floodlights on the ground, sand on the pitch and the old terrace stripped bare, 15 days from the first game – Paul Rogers’ photographs from the ground.

ST HELEN’S: Terrace will have no roof when the Ospreys move in next month – The roof pushed to a later phase.

ST HELEN’S: South Africa’s Cheetahs to play their European home games in Swansea – Four Challenge Cup games added to the ground’s calendar.

More on St Helen’s

ST HELEN’S: Floodlights on the ground, sand on the pitch and the old terrace stripped bare, 15 days from the first game

Fifteen days before the first rugby at the rebuilt St Helen’s, the new floodlights are lying on the pitch. Photographs taken at the ground on Tuesday by Paul Rogers show a galvanised column laid flat across the artificial surface, with fitters bolting the LED lamp heads to its crossarm before the whole thing is winched upright.

Behind it, one of the old lattice pylons is still standing. The remains of another lie in sections by the pavilion.

The tallest of them, long said to be the tallest sports floodlight in Europe at 150ft, came down in June after more than 60 years, as the council set out the full £7.6m plan for the ground.

Sand on the new pitch

The artificial pitch is being finished. A spreader has been running up and down the surface pouring sand into the fibres, the infill that gives a 3G pitch its grip and its give, and by Tuesday a wide band of the field was buried in it.

Kerbs are being laid along the paths around the pitch, and new galvanised rails have gone in behind the dead-ball line.

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Steel on the seafront side

On the Mumbles Road side, the steelwork for the new stand is going up, with a telehandler and cherry pickers raising columns onto concrete pads. The club’s plan puts a new stand there, moves the existing stand to the Mumbles end and adds a fan zone at the Guildhall end, for a finished capacity just under 7,000.

It is a 1,000-seat stand, and it has a name before it has a crowd: JCP Solicitors signed a six-figure deal last week to call it the JCP Solicitors Stand until 2031, the club’s longest-dated commercial agreement since it left Bridgend.

The old terrace, stripped to the steps

Across the pitch, the terrace on the Bryn Road side has been cleared back to its concrete steps. The rusted crush barriers have been cut out and stacked, new galvanised ones are already bolted in, and a mound of broken blockwork sits where the top of the terrace met the houses.

Weeds between the steps and the flaking yellow paint on the step edges give away how long it has stood empty.

A row of faded orange and brown seats is still fixed along the rail at the top, next to a peeling sign whose message has half gone.

This is the terrace that will have no roof when the Ospreys move in. The club said last week that a covered terrace has been pushed to a later phase with no date, and offered terrace season members a seat in the Family Stand instead.

What happens next

The first game is Gower College against Cardiff and Vale College at 2.30pm on Wednesday 7 October, with Swansea University against Bath that evening. Swansea RFC play Ebbw Vale on 10 October, 150 years after they first made the ground their home.

The Ospreys’ first match is against the Dragons at 7pm on Saturday 24 October, with Cardiff a week later. Tickets for the Dragons game went on sale at 10am on Tuesday, in a capped first allocation the club says will grow as “operational milestones and remaining venue approvals” are completed. Richard Lancaster, the club’s managing director for business, said October “isn’t simply about one Ospreys fixture”, with schools, colleges, the university and Swansea RFC all using the ground.

Swansea Council is putting £7.6m into the ground and the Ospreys £2.6m, on a 50-year lease.

In return the council takes the freehold of the clubhouse and changing rooms on Bryn Road, folded into the Ospreys’ lease, and says its money secures community use for around 90 per cent of available hours outside major fixtures. Sport has been played on the site since 1876; cricket, there for a century and a half, moved to Sketty Lane after last season.

The Ospreys are building a home while their future is decided by someone else. The Welsh Rugby Union has guaranteed Cardiff and the Dragons two of three licences from 2028/29, leaving the Ospreys and the Scarlets to fight for the one left in the west.

Dave Reddin insisted on Friday that the cut is going ahead, calling it “the brutal economics of it all”. Swansea Council has resumed its High Court challenge against the union, and the process that decides who survives starts in December.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

ST HELEN’S: Rugby is back at the old ground on 7 October, and Gower College get first go at the new pitch
The full October schedule and how tickets are being released.

ST HELEN’S: Terrace will have no roof when the Ospreys move in next month
The roof pushed to a later phase, and what supporters were told in July.

OSPREYS: St Helen’s south stand to carry JCP Solicitors name for five years
The stand going up on the seafront side, and the deal behind its name.

ST HELEN’S: New seafront stand, fan zone and near-7,000 capacity
What the council said the £7.6m rebuild would deliver.

More on St Helen’s
Every story on the rebuild of the Swansea ground.

OSPREYS: ‘The sky is the limit’ — homegrown winger Houston signs new deal ahead of St Helen’s move

Ospreys winger Harri Houston has signed a new deal with the region, committing his future ahead of the club’s move to St Helen’s.

The 22-year-old has made nine appearances for the Ospreys since his debut in 2023, and won 16 caps for Wales U20, scoring 35 points.

The homegrown wing has been tipped by teammates as one to watch, and has shown flashes of that promise when given opportunities over the last few seasons.

Head coach Mark Jones said the club was very happy to be keeping another of its homegrown prospects. “He’s a talented athlete with a great head on his shoulders and we expect him to be an important Ospreys player in the years to come,” he said.

“We’ve already seen Harri produce some real X-factor moments, both in training and for Swansea in the SRC. If he can continue to do that whilst taking his gameday opportunities for us when they come, the sky is the limit for him at this club.”

Houston has been turning out for Swansea RFC in the Super Rygbi Cymru competition — at the St Helen’s ground his region will call home from next season.

The winger said the club meant the world to him. “It’s great to be able to continue my career here. I’ve been learning from some top quality back three players since I came through the system and I’ve taken a lot from that,” he said.

“The coaches here have put in a lot of work into my development, and I’ve seen my game grow massively over the last few seasons as a result of that. I’m keen to push on now and put myself in a place where I’m ready for as much game time as I can get next season.”

That game time may well be there for the taking. Fan favourite Daniel Kasende was among ten players confirmed as leaving at the end of last season, opening up opportunities in the Ospreys back three.

Houston’s new deal continues a busy period of squad-building at the region, coming days after hooker Ethan Lewis signed fresh terms.

The Ospreys will play their first season at St Helen’s in 2026/27, with the phased redevelopment of the historic ground continuing around them.

The club has not announced the length of Houston’s deal.

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ST HELEN’S: New seafront stand, fan zone and near-7,000 capacity — council sets out full plans for £7.6m rebuild

Swansea Council has set out the full detail of the £7.6 million St Helen’s redevelopment for the first time — a near-7,000 capacity stadium with a new seafront stand, a fan zone and a rebuilt community clubhouse.

The written answer also confirms the ground is being designed to meet the standards required for URC and European competition “in anticipation of the WRU‘s proposals to reduce the number of regions from four to three”.

The detail came in an answer from Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart at Thursday’s full council meeting, fleshing out the up-to-£5.1 million commitment the council made last year to secure the ground as the Ospreys‘ home.

The WRU’s decision on cutting a west Wales region has been delayed again while the governing body searches for a new chair.

The Ospreys signed Welsh rugby’s new Professional Rugby Agreement earlier this year — but the possibility of a cut remained on the table.

According to the written answer, a new 3G pitch will be repositioned closer to a newly-covered terrace, which the council says will improve the atmosphere and spectator experience.

The existing stand will be relocated to the Mumbles end of the ground, with a new 1,000-seat stand replacing it on the seafront side.

A new fan zone and hospitality offer at the Guildhall end is intended, the answer says, to create a focal point for matchdays and year-round activity.

In return for its investment, the council will take the freehold of the clubhouse and changing rooms on Bryn Road — which will then be incorporated into the lease issued to the Ospreys, giving the authority what it describes as a long-term interest in the site for future generations.

The council says its funding secures community use of the facility for around 90 per cent of available hours outside major fixtures.

An existing agreement with Swansea RFC — the All Whites — for continued use of the ground will be honoured, the answer states.

The rebuilt clubhouse will offer modern changing facilities, accessible amenities and flexible indoor spaces, open to clubs, schools and community groups, with the potential to host non-sporting events and functions.

The council says the venue will also support training and skills development in other sports, including football, athletics and disability sport, operating as a “bookable space” to help sustain it as a community facility.

The answer describes the scheme as a “modern, multi-use sports stadium and year-round community hub” with multigenerational use and academy-style programmes.

Cricket, played at the ground for a century and a half, is not part of the new St Helen’s. Swansea Cricket Club — a tenant since 1875 — left after the 2025 season, with the council supporting the club’s move to an upgraded facility at Sketty Lane.

The Sketty Lane site is itself the subject of wider plans for a £150m sport and health superhub, with facilities across the Swansea Bay Sports Park being brought under a single operator.

Work at the ground is already under way, with the famous floodlights — including what was long said to be Europe’s tallest, taken down last month after more than 60 years.

Whatever the WRU decides, the council’s answer states the redeveloped ground will become the home of both the Ospreys and Swansea RFC — “ensuring top flight rugby continues at a site that has been central to Welsh sport since 1876”.

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OSPREYS: Hooker Ethan Lewis signs new deal ahead of St Helen’s move

Ospreys hooker Ethan Lewis has signed a new deal with the Swansea-based region.

Lewis has made 13 appearances for the Ospreys since his debut against Connacht in the 2023-24 season.

Before joining the club, he spent two seasons with Saracens, making 25 appearances for the English side.

His new contract is the latest piece of squad-building as the Ospreys prepare for next season — and their move to a redeveloped St Helen’s.

Head coach Mark Jones said Lewis was a reliable presence around the squad.

“Ethan is a dependable player and a great character to have around the squad, so we’re delighted that he has signed a new deal with the club,” Jones said.

He said strength in depth was especially important in the specialist front-row role.

“With the specialised nature of the hooker position, it is highly important to have quality in depth and that is something we definitely have with our current crop of hookers,” Jones added.

Lewis said he was pleased to be staying at the club.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time with the club since I joined so I’m really happy to be staying here. There’s a great group of boys here and it’s great to be a part of that,” he said.

He said the move to St Helen’s was an exciting prospect for the squad.

“We’re all excited by what the future holds at the club, especially with the move to St Helen’s on the horizon, and I’m looking forward to contributing in whatever way I can next season,” Lewis added.

The Ospreys are due to move into the historic Swansea ground next season, following a phased redevelopment backed by £5.1m of Swansea Council investment.

Lewis’s new deal follows a busy recruitment period for the region, which has included new contracts for the likes of club stalwart Luke Morgan.

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ST HELEN’S: Europe’s tallest sports floodlight comes down after more than 60 years

A floodlight long said to be the tallest of its kind at any sports ground in Europe is being taken down in Swansea today.

The 150ft column has stood over St Helen’s, beside the Cricketers crossroads in Brynmill, since 1964.

Its removal marks the final and most dramatic stage of the work to clear the ground’s old floodlights, after the other towers came down last week in footage captured by drone.

For more than six decades, the floodlight has been a fixture of the Swansea skyline — visible for miles, and from the seafront below.

Uplands Party councillor Peter May, who has lived in nearby Finsbury Terrace for 30 years, said he had mixed feelings about seeing it go.

“It will be missing from the view from my front garden, but is part of the new era for our beloved St Helen’s to continue as a sporting venue,” he said.

The floodlight’s loss closes another chapter for one of Welsh sport’s most storied grounds.

St Helen’s hosted the first home match in the history of the Wales rugby team, against England, back in 1882.

It was where New Zealand suffered their first defeat to Wales in 1924, and where Swansea beat the touring All Blacks in 1935 to become the first club side to do so.

The ground also has a place in cricket history. It was here, in 1968, that Sir Garfield Sobers struck the first six sixes in a single over in first-class cricket.

And in a quirk of local lore, a teenage Dylan Thomas won a mile race on the ground at his school sports day in 1928 — carrying the newspaper photograph of his victory for the rest of his life.

The floodlights themselves went up in 1964, part of efforts to keep evening fixtures and big matches at the venue.

Cllr May said the previous record-holders had been the 260ft pylons at Leeds United’s Elland Road ground, until they were taken down in 1993.

Now the ground is being cleared for a new era. The turf has already been lifted and handed to grassroots clubs across the region, and with the floodlights gone the site is ready for a new playing surface.

The redevelopment plans, unveiled in May, centre on a new South Stand, a redeveloped West Stand and terrace, a fan zone and expanded hospitality.

The work is being carried out in phases, so the Ospreys can still play at St Helen’s throughout the coming season as construction goes on around them.

It marks a remarkable turnaround for a club that only months ago was fighting for survival, before Swansea Council committed £5.1m to secure the ground as a community stadium and the region’s home.

The Ospreys will leave the Swansea.com Stadium and return to St Helen’s after two decades away, playing their first season at the redeveloped ground in 2026/27.

Councillor Stuart Rice said work would continue to involve the local community in the plans.

“We are looking forward to continue engaging with Uplands and city-wide residents on the community aspect of the plans,” he said.

For now, though, eyes are on the Brynmill skyline — where a 150ft landmark that has watched over Swansea sport for two generations is finally coming down.

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ST HELEN’S: Floodlights come down in dramatic drone footage as historic ground’s transformation gathers pace

The floodlights that have stood over St Helen’s for decades are being taken down — and the Ospreys have captured the moment from the air.

The region has released striking drone footage showing a crane lifting away the floodlight pylons at the historic Swansea ground, with the pitch below stripped completely bare of turf.

In the video, workers can be seen high up the floodlight structures, using blowtorches to cut them apart as they are dismantled section by section.

The club said the lights were coming down this week as it prepares to lay the new pitch.

“The St Helen’s floodlights are coming down this week as we prepare the new pitch,” the Ospreys said, posting the message in both English and Welsh.

It is the latest visible stage in the transformation of St Helen’s into the Ospreys‘ new home — and follows the lifting of the ground’s famous turf earlier this month.

That historic soil was handed to grassroots rugby and sports clubs across the region, giving a piece of the old ground new life before the rebuild.

With the turf gone and now the floodlights, the site is being cleared for the new playing surface to be laid.

The redevelopment plans, unveiled in May, centre on a new South Stand and a redeveloped West Stand and terrace, along with a dedicated fan zone and expanded hospitality.

The work is being carried out in phases, so the club can still play at St Helen’s throughout the 2026/27 season while construction goes on around them.

It marks a remarkable turnaround for a club that, only months ago, was fighting for its very survival.

Swansea Council went to the High Court earlier this year to seek an injunction against a WRU restructuring it said would end the Ospreys, before the union performed a U-turn and the club’s future was secured.

The council has since committed its full £5.1m to redevelop St Helen’s as a community stadium and the Ospreys’ home.

St Helen’s is one of the most historic sports grounds in Wales, having hosted rugby and cricket at the highest level for well over a century — the stage for Gareth Edwards, Barry John and the great Wales sides of the 1970s.

The Ospreys will play their first season at the redeveloped ground in 2026/27.

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OSPREYS: Wallaby Lalakai Foketi joins — the second Australia international to sign in a week

The Ospreys have signed current Australia international centre Lalakai Foketi — the second Wallaby to join the club in the space of a week.

Foketi, 31, arrives ahead of the 2026/27 season, days after fellow Australian Liam Wright signed from the Queensland Reds.

Born in New Zealand, Foketi originally came through the Gallagher Chiefs pathway before making his Super Rugby debut for the Rebels in 2014.

He later moved to France to play for Bayonne, before returning to Super Rugby in 2018 and making more than 80 appearances for the Waratahs. Foketi switched back to the Chiefs ahead of last season.

Once described as one of the best strike centres in Super Rugby, Foketi earned a call-up to the Wallabies in 2021 — making his debut against Wales in Cardiff and has eight senior international caps to his name.

His form has continued this season. The club said he was instrumental in the Chiefs’ semi-final win over the Crusaders this week, providing three try assists — said to be the joint-most by any centre in a Super Rugby game since 2020.

Foketi’s arrival comes during one of the most turbulent periods in the Ospreys’ history. The club has spent months under the shadow of the Welsh Rugby Union’s plan to cut the professional game from four regions to three — a restructure that has left every Welsh region facing questions over its future.

Last week the Ospreys signed Welsh rugby’s new Professional Rugby Agreement, ending months of uncertainty — though the deal keeps them tied to a timetable that could still see the number of regions reduced.

Against that backdrop, landing a current international is a notable statement of intent — and it comes as the club prepares to move into a redeveloped St Helen’s next season.

Foketi said he was happy to be joining a club with a proud history.

“I’m really happy to be joining the Ospreys. It’s a club with a proud history and after speaking with Mark, I can see that the team has a clear vision of where it’s striving to be,” he said.

“I’ve heard a lot of good things about the environment here and the passion of the supporters, and I’m looking forward to getting to work with the coaches and my new teammates.”

Head coach Mark Jones said the signing was another boost for the club and its supporters.

“This is another great bit of news for the club and our supporters. Lalakai is an experienced international who can immediately make a real contribution for us both on and off the field,” he said.

“He’s a real all-rounder at centre with what he can offer on the ball and in defence, and we feel he will add even further quality to our already talented group of centres.”

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OSPREYS: Club stalwart Luke Morgan signs new deal — ‘an exciting time to be part of the club’

Ospreys stalwart Luke Morgan has signed a new deal with the region, keeping one of the club’s most experienced players on board ahead of next season’s move to St Helen’s.

The winger has made 116 appearances for the Ospreys and scored 30 tries, and has been a key figure both on and off the pitch.

Morgan originally came through the Ospreys academy, making his debut in 2012 before switching codes to Sevens.

He went on to become Wales’ all-time top try scorer in the Sevens game, before returning to the Ospreys in 2018.

He made his senior Wales 15s debut in the same year.

His new deal means he stays with the club as it prepares to move into a redeveloped St Helen’s — the historic Swansea ground the Ospreys are making their home from next season.

It also comes after one of the most turbulent periods in the club’s history.

The Ospreys have spent months under the shadow of the Welsh Rugby Union’s plan to cut the professional game from four regions to three — a restructure that has left every Welsh region facing questions over its future.

Last week the club signed Welsh rugby’s new Professional Rugby Agreement, ending months of uncertainty — but the deal keeps them tied to a timetable that could still see the number of regions reduced.

Against that backdrop, the retention of an experienced player carries added weight, coming after the Ospreys confirmed ten players would leave at the end of the season, including Wales internationals Jac Morgan and Dewi Lake.

Morgan said the club had been a pivotal part of his career.

“The Ospreys have been such a pivotal part of my career so I’m really happy to be staying here,” he said.

“I still remember coming through the academy, making my debut in 2012, my first start after coming back in 2018, and all of those mates and memories I have made along the way.”

He said the squad was in a good place, with a mix of youth and experience.

“This is an exciting time to be part of the club; there’s a good blend of younger boys with a lot of potential and quality experienced players,” he said.

“We’re all looking forward to playing at St Helen’s next season and running out in front of our supporters, who have always backed us, especially over the last year.”

Head coach Mark Jones said reaching 100-plus appearances was the mark of a special player.

“It’s great to have Luke sign a new deal with the team. He’s made over 100 appearances for the Ospreys and you don’t get to those figures here without being a special player,” he said.

“Lukey is an extremely reliable and hard-working player that always brings a real positive energy around the group, so we’re all really happy to have him continuing his career with us.”

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ST HELEN’S: ‘The legacy remains in place’ — giant graffiti tribute to Swansea legend RFD appears on stadium wall

A giant graffiti tribute to one of Swansea‘s best-known public figures has appeared on the front wall of St Helen’s stadium.

The artwork celebrates Robert Francis-Davies — known across the city as RFD — who died last month after 43 years of service as a Morriston councillor.

His initials now stretch along the Mumbles Road wall in towering black and white letters, set between silver stars on a deep red background.

Alongside them, two messages are stencilled in white: “The Legend” and “The Legacy Remains in Place”.

The artwork was created as a tribute to the man who served Swansea Council for more than four decades.

It was painted by Swansea firm Oner Signs, whose large-scale artwork marked the start of the Castle Square transformation earlier this year.

Director Ronnie Oner, joined on the job by colleague Ryan, was putting the finishing touches to the piece on Wednesday — and for him the piece was personal.

“We’ve produced this piece for someone who’s contributed heavily to the local community — for the youngsters, for the skateparks, for the culture,” he said.

“I met him six years ago and became a close friend — he was an absolute legend.”

Passing drivers beeped their support as the work went on beside one of the busiest roads into the city.

Whether the tribute itself survives the redevelopment is unclear, but Mr Oner said its spot could hardly be more prominent: “I’m not sure if this wall is coming down as part of the redevelopment, but the wall is very visible — it’s seen by people heading to the city centre.”

The artwork arrives as St Helen’s undergoes the biggest transformation in its history, with work under way on the Ospreys’ redevelopment of the ground ahead of the region’s move from the Swansea.com Stadium.

Inside the walls, diggers have already stripped the famous playing surface — with turf from the historic pitch given new life at grassroots clubs across the region.

Swansea Council confirmed a £5.1m investment to secure the ground as the Ospreys’ new home earlier this month.

As cabinet member for investment, regeneration, tourism and events, Mr Francis-Davies was a prominent voice for the city’s sporting and cultural landmarks — credited with helping deliver the Swansea.com Stadium and the National Waterfront Museum.

Announcing his death in May, council leader Rob Stewart described him as “a true Swansea legend and an absolute force of nature” — words that now stand, quite literally, on the wall of one of the city’s most famous sporting grounds.

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SWANSEA: Cabinet member Robert Francis-Davies dies — tributes paid to ‘true Swansea legend’ after 43 years of service
The Morriston councillor served Swansea Council for 43 years and was a cabinet member at the time of his death.

Work begins next week as Ospreys unveil St Helen’s redevelopment plans — marking the end of the most turbulent chapter in the club’s history
The region revealed its plans for the historic ground as building work got under way.

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ST HELEN’S: Famous turf from historic ground given new life at grassroots clubs across the region
Turf from the famous playing surface found new homes at grassroots clubs as the redevelopment began.

This article was amended on 11 June to remove an incorrect statement that the artwork was commissioned by Mr Francis-Davies’s family.

ST HELEN’S: Famous turf from historic ground given new life at grassroots clubs across the region

The famous turf at St Helen’s is being given a new lease of life at grassroots clubs across south-west Wales.

As the historic Swansea ground is dug up for redevelopment, the soil steeped in more than a century of sporting history is being lifted and delivered to local club grounds.

The Ospreys said they were working with Swansea Council to share the turf with clubs around the region.

“The turf from St Helen’s is helping clubs across our community,” the region said, as the work to lift the pitch began.

It is a fitting send-off for one of Welsh rugby’s most storied grounds. The home of Swansea RFC since 1873, St Helen’s staged the first home international in Welsh rugby history in 1882.

It was also where, in September 1935, Swansea became the first club side ever to beat the touring All Blacks, running out 11–3 winners.

The handover marks the physical start of a project that will transform the ageing ground into a modern home for the Ospreys.

Work began on the redevelopment last month, with the Ospreys unveiling plans for a phased transformation including a new South Stand, a redeveloped West Stand and a fan zone.

The club described it as the end of the most turbulent chapter in its history, after a period of uncertainty that at one stage threatened its very existence.

The redevelopment is being backed by significant public money.

Swansea Council agreed to commit its full £5.1m to the scheme, switching the funding from a loan to an outright investment to secure the ground as a community stadium and the Ospreys’ home.

The pictures from the site show diggers and trucks at work on the stripped pitch, with the sea and the Trade Centre Wales stand framing the familiar setting.

For the grassroots clubs receiving it, a piece of one of Welsh sport’s most storied grounds will now be part of their own pitches.

The gesture comes at an otherwise anxious time for the region.

The Ospreys recently signed Welsh rugby’s new Professional Rugby Agreement, ending months of uncertainty — but the deal keeps them tied to a timetable that could still see Welsh rugby cut from four professional regions to three.

For now, though, the focus is on a quieter legacy — the famous St Helen’s turf taking root at clubs across the area.

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Council to commit £5.1m to secure St Helen’s as Ospreys’ home — with region still facing looming WRU axe threat

Swansea Council is set to commit its full £5.1m to the redevelopment of St Helen’s as a community stadium and the home of the Ospreys — with the region’s long-term future still hanging on the outcome of the Welsh Rugby Union’s plan to cut from four professional teams to three.

A report going before the council’s cabinet on June 11 asks members to approve investing the money to transform the historic ground into a year-round, community-first sports facility that can also host top-flight rugby.

According to the report, the proposals would create a venue capable of meeting the standards of the United Rugby Championship and European competition, while reserving an estimated 90% of its use for the wider community.

Crucially, the money would no longer be a loan. The report explains that when the funding was first agreed it was to be recovered over the lifetime of a long lease, but it now proposes committing the £5.1m as an outright “community investment” in the ground.

The report says the Ospreys would contribute a further £2.5m towards the works — taking the combined total to around £7.6m — and would take a 50-year lease and full responsibility for matchday operations.

The investment comes at a precarious moment for the region in Swansea, which spent much of the past year fighting for its survival — and is not yet in the clear.

A long road to this point

The council first set out the case for investing in St Helen’s in 2024. In July that year, the ground was named as the Ospreys’ chosen new home, and that December cabinet agreed in principle to invest in the redevelopment.

According to the report, that December 2024 decision committed a £5.1m budget, to be repaid over the course of a 50-year lease, subject to conditions around financial due diligence and the WRU granting the Ospreys a new Professional Rugby Agreement.

The Ospreys submitted a planning application for the stadium in June 2025, and earlier this year the council shifted its approach — agreeing in March to fund the works needed for community use, with the Ospreys paying for the additional work required to bring the ground up to URC standard.

The report also reveals the council initiated legal action against the Welsh Rugby Union during this period, which it says is currently stayed.

Following financial due diligence and the agreement of the necessary licences, work began on the redevelopment at the end of last month, with the first phase due to be completed by the autumn, in time for the new season in October.

What the redevelopment involves

Under the plans set out in the report, the scheme centres on a new 4G artificial pitch, repositioned closer to a newly-covered terrace to improve the atmosphere for spectators.

The report says the existing stand would be relocated to the Mumbles end of the ground, with a new stand of close to 2,000 seats built in its place on the seafront side. A new fan zone and hospitality area at the Guildhall end would create a focal point on matchdays.

Under the latest proposals, the freehold of the St Helen’s clubhouse — currently owned by Swansea RFC — would transfer to the council as part of the deal.

The report describes the clubhouse as a critical part of delivering the wider community benefit, providing changing facilities, accessible amenities and flexible indoor space, and paving the way for a community and wellbeing hub. It says opportunities already identified include provision for the Jac Lewis Foundation and initiatives to help older residents develop digital skills.

St Helen’s would remain the home of Swansea RFC, and would become the home of the Ospreys, at a ground that has been central to Welsh sport since 1876.

The report says an externally commissioned economic impact assessment has put the value of the Ospreys being based at St Helen’s at at least £15m a year, and that the investment also helps unlock wider City Deal money that could not be drawn down without a clear plan.

The WRU shadow over it all

The investment is being made against a backdrop of deep uncertainty over the future shape of professional rugby in Wales.

In October last year, the WRU confirmed plans to cut the number of professional men’s regions from four to three by 2028, with only one licence to be based in west Wales — leaving one of the region’s two West Wales sides facing the axe.

The decision triggered a sustained campaign in Swansea, with the council leader tabling an emergency motion against the cut and the city’s politicians repeatedly demanding the plan be dropped.

The Ospreys appeared to win a reprieve in April, when a bid by the region’s owners to buy Cardiff collapsed and the WRU offered the Ospreys and Scarlets a lifeline in the form of new Professional Rugby Agreements — a moment hailed by supporters and politicians as a major victory.

But the threat has not gone away. The report notes that while the new agreement runs until 2030, it carries a break clause at the end of the 2027/28 season, linked directly to the WRU’s continuing intention to reduce to three teams.

The Ospreys have now signed the new agreement, joining Cardiff and the Dragons — though it has been reported that the WRU is preparing to serve notice that would re-open the path to three teams, with a tender process for the future licences a possibility if no agreement is reached.

It is against that uncertainty that the council is making its case. The report argues that developing St Helen’s into a compliant, high-quality venue gives the Ospreys “the best opportunity” of succeeding when the WRU allocates its future regional licences.

As a safeguard on the public money, the report says that if the Ospreys were to lose their licence and drop out of the top tier, the council could break the lease, with the stadium and all its redeveloped facilities — including the clubhouse — reverting to the council.

The report argues the business case for the investment stands regardless of the Ospreys’ fate, describing St Helen’s as a “first-class community asset” that would fill a gap in the city’s sporting infrastructure and prevent the further deterioration of an ageing ground.

Cabinet will consider the proposals on June 11.

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Work begins as Ospreys unveil St Helen’s redevelopment plans
The phased transformation of the ground that began at the end of last month.

‘A massive victory’ as Ospreys and Scarlets handed lifeline in Welsh rugby U-turn
The April reprieve — though warnings sounded that the three-club threat had not gone away.

Scarlets and Ospreys face fight for survival as WRU confirms three-club model
How the WRU’s plan to cut to three regions left one West Wales side facing the axe.

Council leader tables emergency motion over Ospreys future
Swansea’s cross-party stand against the WRU’s plan to cut a region.

Work begins next week as Ospreys unveil St Helen’s redevelopment plans — marking the end of the most turbulent chapter in the club’s history

Six months ago, the Ospreys were fighting for their survival. Today, they are announcing a major redevelopment of one of Welsh rugby’s most historic grounds — with work beginning next week on the transformation of St Helen’s ahead of the club’s first season there in 2026/27.

The contrast with where the club stood in February could hardly be starker. Swansea Council went to the High Court to seek an injunction to halt a WRU deal that it said would mean the end of the Ospreys as a professional regional side. Fans launched a 10,000-signature petition. MPs, the council leader and even Michael Sheen called for the WRU’s chair to go.

WRU chair Richard Collier-Keywood announced his departure in March — the man whose plans to restructure Welsh professional rugby had sparked the revolt. An Extraordinary General Meeting followed in April, at which the WRU initially doubled down on its three-team plan before the pressure from clubs, fans and politicians finally told.

The WRU then performed a U-turn — offering the Ospreys and Scarlets professional rugby agreements and stepping back from its plan to cut Welsh professional rugby to three teams. The turnaround was described by those who had fought for it as “a massive victory.”

Tuesday’s announcement is the first major visible sign of what that victory means in practice. The club is not just surviving — it is building.

The redevelopment plans centre on a new South Stand and a redeveloped West Stand and terrace. A dedicated fan zone will be created to improve the matchday atmosphere and experience, alongside expanded hospitality facilities designed to make St Helen’s a destination on and off the pitch.

The work will be delivered in phases — allowing the club to play at St Helen’s throughout the 2026/27 season while construction continues around them. Further details on timelines and additional features will be shared as the project progresses.

Ospreys CEO Lance Bradley said the redevelopment was about building on St Helen’s proud history rather than replacing it. “This is an important moment for the Ospreys,” he said. “St Helen’s has a proud history, and these plans are about building on that to create a home that reflects who we are and where we’re going.”

Bradley paid tribute to Swansea Council — the same authority that had gone to court to protect the club — for their support throughout the process. “Working together has been vital in helping us move these plans forward and ensuring St Helen’s can become a venue that serves both the Ospreys and the wider community,” he said.

“We want to create a venue that brings people together, not just for rugby, but as a focal point for our community, whilst also giving our players and staff the environment they need to perform,” Bradley added.

He said the phased approach was critical to keeping the project on track. “Delivering this in phases allows us to move forward at pace while being able to play at St Helen’s next season, which is incredibly important to us,” he said.

The journey to this point has been long. St Helen’s was named as the Ospreys’ preferred location in July 2024, following a battle with Bridgend’s Dunraven Brewery Field for the right to host the club. The planning application followed in June 2025, and Swansea Council’s ruling cabinet approved the principle of the investment in December 2024.

St Helen’s is one of the most historic sports grounds in Wales — a venue that has hosted rugby and cricket at the highest level for well over a century, and the scene of some of the greatest moments in Welsh sporting history. It was here that Gareth Edwards, Barry John and the great Wales sides of the 1970s played some of their finest rugby.

The ground has also been the home of Swansea RFC — whose final match on the famous St Helen’s turf took place in April, drawing fans who came to celebrate the pitch that had hosted legends before the Ospreys took over.

Season memberships for the 2026/27 campaign go on sale on Tuesday 26 May — giving supporters who fought so hard to keep the Ospreys alive the chance to be part of the first season at the new St Helen’s from the very beginning.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

WRU: ‘A massive victory’ — reaction as Ospreys and Scarlets handed lifeline in Welsh rugby U-turn
The moment the WRU stepped back from its three-team plan and offered the Ospreys a professional rugby agreement.

Council goes to High Court: Swansea seeks urgent injunction to stop WRU–Y11 deal that would end the Ospreys
The moment Swansea Council went to court to fight for the Ospreys’ survival.

Ospreys submit planning application for St Helen’s stadium
The June 2025 planning application that set the redevelopment in motion.

St Helen’s named as new home for Ospreys rugby
How St Helen’s beat Bridgend to become the Ospreys’ chosen new home in July 2024.

Call for fans to celebrate the pitch that hosted legends at St Helen’s
Swansea RFC’s farewell to St Helen’s before the Ospreys took over.

OSPREYS: Fans close in on 10,000-name petition target as WRU told it has “lost the argument”

The petition stood at 8,980 names as of this morning. Supporters say that already outstrips the 7,000 responses the WRU said it was pleased with after its own consultation exercise — the process that led directly to the announcement of the three-region plan.

Ospreys Supporters’ Club chair Sarah Collins-Davies said: “The WRU lauded the fact it was really happy with the 7,000 responses it had to the consultation process. We have had more people sign our petition than those who took part in their survey. And this has only been over a short period.”

She added: “The WRU is trying to control the narrative. But people can see through it. We are delighted with the response we have had so far from other clubs and countries. They can all understand the plight we are facing.”

The petition has drawn responses from across Wales and beyond, with fans setting out in stark terms what losing the Ospreys would mean.

Adrian, from the Swansea area, wrote: “Players and supporters from areas including Gower, Swansea, Swansea Valley, Neath, Port Talbot, Afan Valley, Bridgend and Ogwr will all be impacted by removing the Ospreys. Rugby will slowly die in the region.”

Gerry warned simply: “Once they’re gone they will be GONE.” Jonathan added: “Moving from four top teams to three will not address the decline in support for Welsh rugby — it is a short-sighted decision.” Support has also come from France, with several French-language signatories expressing solidarity with the campaign.

The WRU’s plan would see the four regions replaced by three — one in the east, one in the capital and one in the west. The Ospreys, the most successful Welsh region in the professional era with four league titles to their name, are widely feared to be the side facing the axe.

The crisis has unfolded at pace over recent months. Swansea Council launched High Court action to block Ospreys owners Y11 Sports & Media from taking over Cardiff Rugby, who went into administration last year. Welsh rugby clubs forced an extraordinary general meeting — still due at Principality Stadium on April 13 — after which chair Richard Collier-Keywood announced he would step down in July, with a vote of no confidence against him subsequently withdrawn.

Former Ospreys players including Shane Williams, Ryan Jones and Alun Wyn Jones signed an open letter calling for the proposals to be halted. Swansea West MP Torsten Bell and Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart have also spoken out against the plan.

The Senedd delivered its own verdict. Delyth Jewell MS, chair of the Welsh Government’s sport and culture committee, wrote to Collier-Keywood saying the WRU risked “losing the soul” of Welsh rugby and had “lost the argument over the future of the professional game.”

Despite the pressure, WRU chief executive Abi Tierney has insisted there will be no U-turn.

Meanwhile, Swansea Council and the Ospreys have sealed a landmark deal at St Helen’s — including a new 4G pitch and modernised stands — with work set to start soon. The Ospreys are expected to be playing home matches at the famous old ground by the autumn.

The petition can be signed at change.org.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Ospreys lifeline as council seals historic St Helen’s deal
Swansea Council and the Ospreys agreed a landmark partnership to transform St Helen’s into a new home for professional and community rugby.

Latest WRU twist: EGM cannot be cancelled — but clubs have until Friday to stop the vote happening
The WRU confirmed the April 13 extraordinary general meeting cannot legally be cancelled, but set out a process by which the motions could still be withdrawn.

Collier-Keywood quits: Rugby Union chair says he’ll leave in July
The man behind Welsh rugby’s most explosive reforms announced he would step down after mounting pressure from clubs, politicians and supporters.

WRU EGM: Welsh rugby clubs call for extraordinary meeting to be scrapped — after getting what they came for
The clubs that forced Welsh rugby’s leadership to the brink called for the EGM to be cancelled after securing the departures they wanted.

Calls for ‘reset’ as Swansea politicians demand new plan after WRU chair quits
Senior Swansea figures warned a complete rethink of Welsh rugby’s future was needed following Collier-Keywood’s announcement.

SWANSEA: Ospreys lifeline as council seals historic St Helen’s deal

Swansea Council has struck a landmark deal with the Ospreys in a move being hailed as a potential lifeline for professional rugby in west Wales.

The agreement will see millions invested into the historic St Helen’s ground, transforming it into a dual-use home for both elite rugby and community sport.

Council leaders say the plan could reshape the future of the game in Swansea — at a time when fears over the Ospreys’ survival have dominated headlines.

The partnership, approved by the council’s Cabinet, is being described as the first of its kind in the UK, bringing a local authority and a professional team together in a joint long-term investment.

Under the proposals, the council will fund improvements aimed at community use, including a new pitch and upgraded floodlights.

Meanwhile, the Ospreys will invest in facilities designed to attract crowds back to the sport, including a new stand, fan zone and broadcast infrastructure.

It follows months of uncertainty over the future of the region, with the Ospreys at the centre of a bitter national row over plans to cut a Welsh team — a crisis we’ve been tracking closely in our ongoing coverage of the WRU civil war.

At the height of the turmoil, Swansea Council launched legal action and even sought to block controversial plans that could have seen the Ospreys effectively wiped out, as reported when the authority went to the High Court in a dramatic bid to stop the deal.

Now, council leader Rob Stewart says this new agreement is about securing the region’s future — and restoring confidence in the game.

He said: “Welsh rugby cannot afford to lose the Ospreys. That’s why we have stepped up and secured this agreement.”

He added: “This is a blueprint for how rugby can thrive in our region and across Wales.”

Cllr Stewart also stressed the wider benefits for the city, saying the Ospreys are “a massive part of our culture” and bring millions into the local economy every year.

He said: “By investing in St Helen’s, we’re creating a fantastic facility for the community — opening the doors to schools, local clubs and young players taking their first steps in the game.”

The deal will also see Welsh rugby legend Alun Wyn Jones take on a key role in overseeing the new model, joining a Swansea Rugby Community Board.

Cllr Stewart said his involvement would be vital, adding: “Having such a rugby icon involved will be invaluable in ensuring we get the right pathway for our children.”

A state-of-the-art 4G pitch is set to be installed at St Helen’s, allowing the Ospreys to play matches there as early as next season.

But the venue won’t just be for elite sport — schools, local clubs and community groups will have regular access throughout the week.

Cllr Stewart said: “Working in partnership, we will deliver a community programme that inspires young people and creates a clear pathway from school and local club rugby through to the Ospreys.”

Council bosses say the aim is to reconnect the professional and grassroots game, boosting participation among young people while improving health and wellbeing across the area.

The Ospreys are also expected to expand their community programme significantly, with more school sessions, coaching opportunities and open training events.

For Swansea fans, the move signals a dramatic shift after months of crisis, protests and political pressure over the future of the region.

The hope now is that St Helen’s can become a symbol of renewal — not just for the Ospreys, but for rugby across Swansea Bay.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

St Helen’s stadium revival plan unveiled as Swansea Council moves ahead amid Ospreys uncertainty
Earlier plans revealed the scale of ambition for redeveloping the historic ground.

Council goes to High Court as Swansea seeks urgent injunction to stop WRU deal
Legal action showed how far the council was willing to go to protect the Ospreys.

Seismic showdown: WRU confirms date for fight for survival EGM
The wider Welsh rugby crisis that put the future of the Ospreys in doubt.

St Helen’s stadium revival plan unveiled as Swansea Council moves ahead amid Ospreys uncertainty

Council leader Rob Stewart said the future of the ground had been held back by unresolved questions around Welsh rugby.

“The future of St Helen’s has been on hold due to ongoing discussions about regional rugby in Wales which are unlikely to end anytime soon,” he said.

“The WRU is not giving us the answers we need to move forward despite our requests, such as how Y11 can own two teams for a long period of time. In light of the impending EGM, I doubt the WRU knows where it is going.”

Moving ahead despite uncertainty

Stewart said Swansea must now act rather than wait for clarity from the Welsh Rugby Union.

“We must break that deadlock in the meantime and find how we can move forward as a city despite the WRU’s lack of answers,” he said.

“We propose to create a new model that strengthens both professional and grassroots rugby across Swansea and the Ospreys region.”

New vision for St Helen’s

The plans would see St Helen’s redeveloped into a modern rugby venue centred on a new all-weather 4G pitch. The surface would be used by the Ospreys for matchdays and weekly team run-outs, while also being opened up to Swansea RFC, schools, clubs and community groups for the rest of the week.

Stewart said the aim is to create a facility that serves both elite sport and the wider community.

“Our joint investment would give the Ospreys a home worthy of professional rugby while opening up this iconic ground to the community like never before.”

Under the proposed model, the council would fund key community-focused upgrades including the pitch and floodlights, while the Ospreys would deliver professional-level improvements such as a new stand, fan zone and broadcast facilities.

Focus on grassroots rugby

The proposals also include a significant expansion of community rugby activity, with the Ospreys expected to deliver club nights, school sessions, open training events and coaching development opportunities.

“For the first time in many years, children and young people will have access to a safe, modern, central facility — whatever the weather,” Stewart said.

“This model strengthens the player pathway by linking clubs, schools, colleges and the Ospreys Academy.”

A new Swansea Rugby Community Board is also proposed to help ensure the redevelopment delivers long-term benefits for local people, while former Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones has agreed to work with the council on the project.

Ospreys return in sight

The Ospreys say they have been working with the council for months on the proposals and believe the plan could allow them to return to Swansea as early as next season while expanding their community work.

Stewart added: “This continues our support for the Ospreys remaining as a professional rugby region based in Swansea.”

Decision within days

The proposals are due to be considered by the council’s cabinet this week, with work potentially starting in April if approved.

The council has also confirmed its legal action over the WRU’s proposed Y11 deal is continuing — underlining the wider uncertainty surrounding the future of Welsh rugby.

Ospreys crisis: key stories

Swansea unites as Ospreys crisis deepens
Councillors back the region amid growing fears over its future.

Council takes legal action over WRU deal
High Court move aims to block a plan that could end the Ospreys.

‘Smoking gun’ minutes revealed
Documents fuel claims the region’s future was already decided.

WRU sets date for crunch showdown
Emergency meeting could shape the future of Welsh rugby.

Alun Wyn Jones warns of ‘rugby black hole’
Legend speaks out over fears for the region’s future.

WRU boss quits before key vote
Leadership turmoil adds to growing pressure on the union.

SPORTS HUB SHAKE-UP! Major changes approved at Swansea’s Sketty Lane site as £150m superhub vision gathers pace

The move will see facilities across Swansea Bay Sports Park — including council-run playing fields, university-operated pitches and athletics facilities, and the partnership-run Wales National Pool — brought together under a single operator for the first time.

It’s a significant shift for a site that’s currently managed by a mix of organisations, and comes as plans gather pace for a £150m sports and health “superhub” in the area.

Council leader Rob Stewart said the aim is to secure the long-term future of the facilities while improving standards for everyone who uses them.

“Swansea is a sporting city and we want to ensure that community facilities continue to be available to all — and to be run to the highest possible standards.”

Under the plans, a new not-for-profit company — led by senior figures from the council and Swansea University — will oversee the site, with a professional operator appointed to run day-to-day services.

Cabinet member Andrew Stevens said the current set-up simply isn’t working as well as it could.

“Having different management obligations and teams across a single site isn’t 100% efficient and now resources will be better directed to improving the facilities.

“A new single operating model for the facilities that comprise much of the Swansea Bay Sports Park next to our fantastic coastline will help us achieve that.”

The shake-up is closely linked to wider ambitions for the Sketty Lane site, where plans have already been unveiled for a major new National Institute for Sport and Health — part of a long-term vision to create a regional hub for sport, wellbeing and research.

Despite the changes, the council says no jobs will be lost, with a new operator expected to be in place later this year following a competitive tender process.

The decision does not affect Swansea Tennis Club, which will continue to operate independently.

The decision also comes at a time of growing uncertainty for sport in the surrounding area — particularly at nearby St Helen’s, where long-term plans for the Ospreys’ return have been overshadowed by ongoing upheaval in Welsh rugby.

Proposals being explored by the Welsh Rugby Union have raised fears the region could even disappear from the professional game — prompting political pressure, fan backlash and calls for urgent clarity.

With major investment plans already approved for the historic ground, the lack of certainty has left questions hanging over how the wider sporting picture in Swansea will evolve.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

£150m sports and health superhub planned for Sketty Lane
A landmark project set to transform elite and community sport in Swansea.

Council leader welcomes St Helen’s redevelopment approval
A major step forward for the Ospreys’ historic home.

Planning approved for Ospreys’ St Helen’s revamp
The green light paves the way for a modernised rugby venue.

Ospreys to run Swansea University men’s rugby programme
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More WRU‑related stories
All the latest on Welsh rugby, governance and the national game.

Swansea RFC fury as club says it was kept in the dark over Ospreys merger plan — and warns WRU must rethink its direction

Swansea RFC has accused rugby bosses of failing to inform the club about a suggestion that the Ospreys could “merge” with the Whites after the 2026/27 season and compete as a semi‑professional side in Super Rygbi Cymru. The club says it only learned of the idea when Swansea Council publicly revealed it had been raised during talks with Welsh Rugby Union chief executive Abi Tierney and Ospreys chair Lance Bradley.

The Whites said the proposal was “deeply alarming” and insisted they were unanimously opposed to any plan that would see professional rugby disappear from Swansea.

Shock and anger over proposal

In a strongly worded statement, the club said it had never been told of any such plan before Swansea Council’s announcement. The timing has added to the sense of disbelief, with the 2026/27 season marking 150 years of Swansea RFC calling St Helen’s home.

The club is currently playing at Dunvant RFC while St Helen’s undergoes a major redevelopment backed by Swansea Council. The project was intended to deliver a modern, shared facility for both Swansea RFC and the Ospreys. The Whites say any move to scrap professional rugby in the city would undermine the entire purpose of the redevelopment and place the future of the sport in the region “in serious doubt”.

Public anger spills over at Brangwyn Hall

Board members attended Wednesday night’s packed public meeting at Brangwyn Hall, where hundreds of supporters demanded clarity over the Ospreys’ future. The club said the strength of feeling was “clear” and backed Swansea Council’s efforts — including the threat of legal action — to safeguard professional rugby at St Helen’s.

The Whites also expressed support for Ospreys players and staff, who they said were continuing to work “tirelessly” despite the uncertainty surrounding the region.

Swansea RFC Statement – 5 February 2026

The Board of Swansea RFC notes with serious concern the contents of Swansea Council’s statement issued on Wednesday 4 February, following its meeting with Abi Tierney (Welsh Rugby Union) and Lance Bradley (Ospreys).

The reported suggestion that the Ospreys could “merge” with Swansea following the 2026/27 season to play as a semi professional team in Super Rygbi Cymru is deeply alarming and would indicate the end of the professional game here.

To be absolutely clear, this is the first time the Board has been made aware of any such proposal. We are unanimous in our opposition to the suggestion.

Swansea RFC has a proud and distinguished history dating back to 1872. The 2026/27 season will mark 150 years of the club calling St Helen’s home.

Having temporarily relocated to Dunvant RFC this season to enable the redevelopment of St Helen’s, everyone connected with the club has been eagerly anticipating a return home. The redevelopment, supported by Swansea Council, would deliver a shared, community-focused facility for both Swansea RFC and the Ospreys.

Any proposal that suggests more than 150 years of history can be so easily dispensed with is deeply flawed and would be devastating for the club, its supporters, and the wider community. It is indicative of a clear lack of understanding of, and empathy with, the rugby culture in Wales. It also places the future of professional rugby in the region in serious doubt.

The Board remains committed to protecting the legacy of all those who have gone before us and to securing a strong future for the All Whites.

Board members attended the public meeting at Brangwyn Hall on Wednesday evening, where the strength of public feeling was clear. We fully support Swansea Council’s efforts to safeguard professional rugby at St Helen’s and to deliver a long-term solution that benefits the whole community. Likewise, we stand behind the Ospreys players and staff who continue to work tirelessly in such difficult circumstances.

Rugby in Wales is at a crossroads. We urge the WRU to reconsider the direction they are going in.

A crisis engulfing Welsh rugby

The row has become the latest flashpoint in a saga that has dominated Welsh rugby for weeks. The WRU has already disputed Swansea Council’s earlier claims, while the Ospreys insist no final decision has been made about the club’s future. Political pressure is mounting, with Plaid Cymru calling for Welsh Government intervention and supporters’ groups from the Ospreys, Dragons and Cardiff uniting to launch a petition against the WRU’s restructure.

Swansea councillors have delivered a dramatic cross‑party show of support for the region, and former Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones has warned that the WRU’s proposals risk creating a “rugby black hole” across Swansea Bay. With tensions rising and legal threats on the table, the battle over the Ospreys’ future has become one of the most explosive sporting rows Wales has seen in years.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Hundreds pack Brangwyn Hall as Swansea unites to fight for Ospreys’ future
Supporters demand answers as fears grow over the region’s long‑term future.

WRU brands council statement ‘inaccurate’ as Ospreys insist no decision made
Conflicting accounts deepen uncertainty over the future of professional rugby in Swansea Bay.

Swansea Council threatens legal action as Ospreys saga explodes
The council escalates its fight to keep professional rugby at St Helen’s.

WRU Board digs in over Y11 deal as pressure mounts from clubs
Clubs across Wales challenge the WRU’s restructuring plans.

Ospreys at risk as Plaid Cymru demands Welsh Government step in
Political pressure intensifies as concerns grow over regional cuts.

Public meeting called as fight to save the Ospreys intensifies
Fans mobilise as uncertainty around the region reaches breaking point.

Supporters’ groups unite to launch petition against WRU restructure
Fans across Wales join forces to oppose the governing body’s plans.

Alun Wyn Jones warns WRU plan would leave a ‘rugby black hole’
The former Wales captain issues a stark warning over the region’s future.

Swansea Council unites in dramatic show of support as Ospreys crisis deepens
Councillors deliver a rare cross‑party message backing the region.

Ospreys legends unite to demand WRU rethink over club’s future

The move comes amid growing fears that the Ospreys could be cut from the top tier after the Welsh Rugby Union named Y11 Sport & Media — the club’s current owners — as the preferred buyer for rivals Cardiff.

The WRU wants to reduce the number of men’s professional teams in Wales from four to three. But former players say the proposals risk triggering a “downward spiral” and threaten the future of rugby across Swansea, Neath Port Talbot and Bridgend.

In a statement signed by dozens of ex‑players, coaches and staff, the group praised current head coach Mark Jones and his squad for their “absolute commitment” despite the uncertainty — and warned that cutting a team “comes with no guarantee of success”.

“You don’t quit because you didn’t win,” the statement said. “You work harder, adapt, change and rebuild.”

The group includes Ryan Jones, James Hook, Barry Williams, Ian Gough, Richard Hibbard, Paul James, Tommy Bowe and former coach Sean Holley. They say the time is right to speak up — and they’re willing to meet the WRU to help shape a “positive future” for the sport.

They argue that Welsh rugby’s golden era — including six Six Nations titles and four Grand Slams — was built on four strong teams, and that removing one now would be a mistake.

“What the game needs is confidence, consistency and collaboration,” they said. “Not constant shifts in direction, where four teams, then two, then three are all presented as the ‘optimal’ solution within a single year.”

The statement also backs Swansea Council Leader Rob Stewart’s call to halt the process, warning that the redevelopment of St Helen’s is at risk and that support for the WRU’s proposals is “lacking across the wider Welsh rugby community”.

The group drew comparisons with Connacht, the Irish region once earmarked for closure in 2003. After public opposition forced a rethink, Connacht went on to win the league and recently celebrated the opening of a redeveloped stadium in Galway.

“It is not too late for the WRU to do the same,” the statement said. “Restoring Welsh rugby will take partnership, not imposition.”

Statement from Former Ospreys

As former Ospreys, we feel the time is right to speak up and show our support for the current players and staff during what is clearly a very difficult and uncertain time. It’s hard to imagine the pressure they’re under, yet they continue to perform with pride in the badge, and absolute commitment — just as we saw again on Saturday.

Mark Jones and his coaching team deserve huge credit for the way they are leading in the middle of all this uncertainty. Unfortunately, both the WRU and Y11 have provided very little clarity about their plans, and even now, after the announcement of a preferred buyer for Cardiff, there is still no real explanation of what this means for the Ospreys.

We support the call made by Swansea Council Leader Rob Stewart for the WRU and Y11 to pause the current process and rethink their approach. What is being proposed puts at risk the future of professional rugby across Swansea, Neath Port Talbot and Bridgend and the redevelopment of an historic rugby venue at St Helen’s.

It is also important to recognise how little support these proposals appear to have across the wider Welsh rugby community. In particular, Ospreys and Cardiff supporters are united in their opposition and their concern about the future for their respective teams.

Following the restructure in 2003 Welsh rugby enjoyed an incredible period of success, a golden era that compares to any other. Six Six Nations titles, four Grand Slams (more than any other nation in this period) and sustained international competitiveness were built on four strong teams. Three of the four professional teams have lifted major trophies, and only Leinster have won the Celtic League more times than the Ospreys.

Sport always goes in cycles. There are highs and lows, good years and tough years. No team wins everything, all of the time. You don’t quit because you didn’t win. You work harder, adapt, change and rebuild. The challenges are what make the successes more special.

A lack of long-term investment and clear planning by previous regimes has left Welsh rugby in a difficult place. But real progress will only come through working together. Change is needed, but it must be built through partnership, not imposed by one side alone.

Cutting a team comes with no guarantee of future success. We believe it more likely to lead to the opposite scenario, with Welsh rugby caught in a downward spiral.

For many of us, it was impossible not to notice the scenes in Galway at the weekend, where a record crowd celebrated the opening of Connacht’s redeveloped stadium. That happened because when presented with the same challenges the IRFU listened to the weight of public opinion, paused, and changed direction. It is not too late for the WRU to do the same.

We know the road ahead will be bumpy but we firmly believe that Welsh rugby can recover if there is a clear, stable and shared vision. What the game needs is confidence, consistency and collaboration — not constant shifts in direction, where four teams, then two, then three are all presented as the “optimal” solution within a single year.

Between us, we have decades of experience at the highest level of the game and a deep connection to the Ospreys, our community clubs and the national team. We are ready to meet with the WRU, individually or collectively, to share that experience and help shape a positive future for Welsh rugby.

Our Blood Is Black

The Ospreys are currently eighth in the United Rugby Championship and preparing to face Ulster in the last 16 of the Challenge Cup.

More Ospreys News

Swansea Council and Ospreys confirm talks over St Helen’s return
Discussions underway about bringing the region back to its historic home.

Rugby ‘civil war’ as Ospreys boss blasts council
Tensions erupt over claims the region has no long‑term future.

Jones frustrated with Lions result but proud of Ospreys
Head coach praises his side’s fight despite a tough defeat.

MPs accuse WRU of ‘stitch‑up’ as pressure grows
Political scrutiny intensifies over the region’s uncertain future.

Swansea Council blasts WRU over threat to Ospreys
Council leaders warn the shake‑up risks wiping out the region.

Ospreys chief breaks silence after WRU confirms Cardiff sale plan
Y11’s move sparks fresh questions about the region’s future.

WRU confirms plan to sell Cardiff Rugby to Y11
Announcement deepens uncertainty for the Ospreys beyond next season.

Swansea Council and Ospreys confirm talks over St Helens return next season

The joint statement, issued on Tuesday by the Ospreys, Y11 and Swansea Council, says all parties are “continuing to work constructively” to assess options for the team to return to the historic ground for the 2026–27 campaign.

The announcement marks a notable shift in tone after weeks of public clashes, political pressure and warnings over the region’s future. It follows a series of explosive developments, including claims the Ospreys had “no future” in Swansea, accusations of a WRU “stitch‑up”, and fears the region could be wiped out in a major restructuring of the professional game.

In the new statement, the organisations say discussions are focused on finding solutions that are “realistic, sustainable and aligned with the best interests of rugby in Swansea, the local community and all stakeholders”. They add that all parties share a “clear ambition” to secure the Ospreys’ long‑term future as a Swansea‑based regional team.

Swansea Council also reiterated its commitment to the wider redevelopment of St Helens, but said this depends on confirmation that the Ospreys will continue to compete as a top‑tier regional side at the venue “well beyond 2027”. Until that commitment is secured, partners will “continue to explore what is possible” to facilitate a return next season.

The statement concludes that both sides remain committed to “open, constructive and ongoing dialogue”.

Full joint statement

Ospreys & the City and Council of Swansea
27 January 2026

Ospreys, Y11 and Swansea Council today confirmed they are continuing to work constructively to assess options for the Ospreys to play at St Helens next season.

Ongoing discussions are centred on finding solutions that are realistic, sustainable and aligned with the best interests of rugby in Swansea, the local community and all stakeholders. All parties share a clear ambition to secure the long‑term future of the Ospreys as a Swansea‑based regional team.

In addition, Swansea Council remains committed to the wider redevelopment of St Helens, but this is dependent on confirmation that the Ospreys will continue to compete as a top‑tier regional team at the venue well beyond 2027. Until that commitment is secured, partners will continue to explore what is possible to facilitate the Ospreys’ return to the historic St Helens ground next season.

Both the Ospreys and Swansea Council remain committed to open, constructive and ongoing dialogue.

ENDS

The development comes after a turbulent period for the region. Earlier this month, the Ospreys’ chief executive broke his silence following the WRU’s confirmation of a plan to sell Cardiff Rugby to Y11, a move that intensified uncertainty over the Ospreys’ own future beyond next season.

Political pressure has also mounted. MPs accused the WRU of a “stitch‑up”, while Swansea Council publicly blasted the union over fears the Ospreys could be erased in a regional shake‑up. The region’s boss later hit back at claims the team had no future in Swansea, describing the situation as a “rugby civil war”.

Today’s joint statement suggests a more collaborative approach is emerging, but key questions remain over funding, long‑term guarantees and the WRU’s wider restructuring plans.

Further updates are expected as negotiations continue.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

‘Rugby civil war’ as Ospreys boss blasts council over claims the region has no future
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MPs accuse WRU of ‘stitch‑up’ as pressure intensifies over Ospreys’ future
Westminster politicians intervened amid fears the region could be sidelined in a major shake‑up.

Swansea Council blasts WRU as Ospreys face being ‘wiped out’
The council warned the WRU’s plans risked erasing the region entirely.

Ospreys chief breaks silence after WRU confirms Cardiff Rugby sale plan
The region’s boss responded after the WRU approved a deal involving rivals Cardiff.

WRU confirms plan to sell Cardiff Rugby to Y11 as Ospreys face uncertainty
The union’s decision deepened questions over the Ospreys’ future beyond next season.

Swansea Council blasts WRU as Ospreys face being wiped out in regional rugby shake‑up

Council Leader Rob Stewart said the WRU’s intention to cut Wales’ professional sides from four to three amounted to “erasing” the Ospreys from the elite game, and urged union bosses to “hit pause” before making what he called a catastrophic mistake for Swansea and Welsh rugby.

The row erupted after the WRU confirmed it has entered negotiations with Y11 — the owners of the Ospreys — to buy Cardiff Rugby. The move has intensified fears that the Ospreys are being lined up for the chop while the WRU focuses on securing a future for the capital’s club.

Stewart said the council had been left “shocked” by what it heard during meetings with senior WRU and Ospreys officials. He said the union gave a “clear indication” that it saw no long‑term place for the Ospreys in its new structure.

Cllr Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council, said:

“The council is shocked by these proposals as we have been working with the Ospreys on the redevelopment of St Helen’s as their new home of regional rugby in Swansea.”

He said the revelation was especially galling given the scale of the redevelopment work already underway. Stewart said the council cannot commit public money to the project while the Ospreys’ future is being placed in jeopardy.

Cllr Rob Stewart said:

“It was hugely disappointing to hear what the WRU had to say. There was a clear indication that they saw no viable future for the Ospreys within their new arrangements.”

Stewart said he had personally urged WRU chief executive Abi Tierney to stop the process immediately and rethink the entire approach.

Cllr Rob Stewart said:

“I have urged Abi Tierney, the WRU Chief Executive, to pause their process now and to think again.”

He also challenged the union’s reasoning and the fairness of its approach, saying the WRU’s logic “did not stack up” and questioning the criteria being used to decide which region survives.

Cllr Rob Stewart said:

“I did not agree with the rationale they outlined. I questioned both the process and the criteria they’ve adopted. If four regions is no longer possible, then the process must at least be fair.”

Stewart said the WRU’s position was impossible to justify when only one region — Cardiff — is currently in administration, and that it is the only team owned by the WRU itself. He said any decision should be based on performance, player development and success.

Cllr Rob Stewart said:

“On those criteria, the Ospreys stand out as Wales’ most successful region. By any fair measure, they should be retained.”

He said rugby supporters across Swansea and Wales “know this is the wrong decision” and called on the WRU to “do the right thing” before irreparable damage is done to the sport.

Despite the escalating row, the council said its wider plans for a state‑of‑the‑art sports park — including the Wales National Pool, rugby and cricket facilities — remain on track. It said it will continue working with sporting bodies, universities and investors to push the project forward.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

WRU confirms plan to sell Cardiff Rugby to Y11
Union offers no clarity on what happens to the Ospreys beyond next season.

Ospreys chief breaks silence after WRU announcement
Lance Bradley reassures supporters but says long‑term future remains unclear.

Players issue ultimatum to WRU as crisis deepens
Squad warns they will consider their futures without urgent clarity.

Ospreys coach says CEO meeting offered little clarity
Staff describe growing frustration and confusion inside the region.

WRU bosses grilled by MPs over Ospreys future
Union questioned in Westminster as uncertainty intensifies.

Future of Ospreys under threat as Y11 linked to Cardiff bid
Early reporting revealed Y11 was believed to be the WRU’s preferred bidder.

Swansea Council leader says legal options being examined as uncertainty over Ospreys intensifies

Council leader responds to WRU’s exclusivity deal

Cllr Stewart issued the statement after the Welsh Rugby Union confirmed it had entered a “period of exclusivity” with an unnamed preferred bidder to explore a potential takeover of the Cardiff region.

The WRU has not named the bidder, but the move has prompted questions about whether Y11 — the owners of the Ospreys — are involved. Swansea Bay News reported earlier that Y11 were believed by multiple sources to be the WRU’s preferred bidder, raising concerns about the Ospreys’ long‑term future in Swansea.

Cllr Stewart said the council was now seeking “urgent clarification” from Y11 about their intentions.

“We remain 100% committed to the Ospreys returning to St Helen’s”

In his statement, Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council, said the authority “remains 100% committed to supporting the Ospreys returning to St Helen’s as Swansea’s regional rugby base”.

He said Swansea, as Wales’ second‑largest city with “the most successful region and a long‑established grassroots rugby base”, must retain regional rugby.

Cllr Stewart said the council was “actively exploring every option, including legal avenues” to safeguard the Ospreys’ future in Swansea. He did not specify what legal steps were being considered.

Criticism of WRU handling

Cllr Stewart said the WRU’s “ongoing lack of clarity” and “failure to provide meaningful detail” had “unsettled and alienated rugby supporters across Wales”.

He said the union’s approach had created uncertainty that was “damaging the game”, adding that players were already leaving Wales because they “cannot rely on a stable future here”.

He said the council was seeking answers from Y11 about “any involvement in the bid process” and their intentions for the Ospreys.

MP: WRU behaviour “disgraceful”

Swansea West MP Torsten Bell also issued a strongly worded statement, saying the Ospreys “have the strongest track record of any region in the game” and that supporters “should never be treated by the WRU in the way we have seen in recent days”.

He described the WRU’s actions as “disgraceful from start to finish” and said the union would need to justify its decision‑making when facing questions in Parliament.

Mr Bell said legal advice was being taken on “next steps” and confirmed he was writing to Y11 to request a meeting to clarify their intentions.

He said rugby “matters in Swansea” not only for supporters but also for the redevelopment of St Helen’s and the wider grassroots game.

Sports park plans continue

Cllr Stewart said the council’s wider ambition to create a state‑of‑the‑art sports park — incorporating the Wales National Pool, rugby and cricket — was “unaffected” by the WRU’s regional rugby plans.

He said the council would continue working with sports bodies, academic partners and investors to progress the project.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Future of Ospreys under threat as club owner believed to be WRU’s preferred bidder for Cardiff
Background to the growing uncertainty surrounding the region’s ownership and long‑term future.

Future Ospreys stars to play home games at The Gnoll
A recent shift in the region’s development pathway as academy fixtures move to Neath.

Ospreys to run Swansea University men’s rugby programme in new partnership
A major collaboration strengthening the region’s ties with university‑level rugby.

Swansea councillors vow to fight for Ospreys as WRU cuts loom
Previous political pressure on the WRU as concerns over regional funding and stability grew.

Ospreys to bring cutting‑edge 5G technology to redeveloped St Helen’s

The technology, due to be fully operational by July 2026, will make St Helen’s one of the most advanced connected rugby stadiums in the UK, supporting both matchday experiences and player performance.

Stadium upgrade with digital innovation at its core

As part of the redevelopment, St Helen’s will be upgraded to an 8,000‑capacity venue. The addition of Vodafone’s 5G MPN will allow the stadium to act as a live test bed for new devices and technologies in a high‑performance sports environment.

Unlike public mobile networks, a private 5G system offers ultra‑fast speeds, low latency and secure connectivity. That means fans could benefit from immersive experiences such as augmented reality replays, real‑time player stats, and seamless ticketing and payments. Coaches and analysts will also be able to use live data from wearables and sensors to inform training and injury prevention.

A vision for Swansea sport

Ospreys chief executive Lance Bradley said the partnership was about blending history with innovation:

“Our vision for St Helen’s is to create a home for the club that connects supporters more closely with the team, enhances player performance through technology, and acts as a hub for digital innovation in the region.”

He added that the collaboration would ensure St Helen’s becomes “one of the most advanced connected stadiums in Europe.”

Vodafone Business UK CEO Nick Gliddon said the project would showcase how 5G can transform sport:

“This initiative goes far beyond simple connectivity – it is about opening up fresh opportunities for enhanced performance, streamlined operations, and deeper fan engagement.”

Building on a track record

Vodafone has already delivered similar projects at Leicester Tigers’ Welford Road Stadium, as well as boosting connectivity at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Wimbledon Tennis Club.

For the Ospreys, the move to St Helen’s marks a significant milestone after announcing plans last year to relocate from the Swansea.com Stadium. The club hopes the redeveloped ground will become a digitally enabled, future‑ready home that cements Swansea’s place at the forefront of sporting innovation.

#5g #mobilePrivateNetwork #ospreys #stHelensStadium #swansea #technology #vodafone

Ospreys to run Swansea University men’s rugby programme in new partnership

The move is being described as a major step forward for university sport in Wales, with the programme set to be developed to elite academy standards. Dedicated Ospreys staff will oversee the set‑up, with input from both academy and senior squad coaches during the season.

Pathway for young talent

The partnership is designed to make Swansea University an attractive destination for students from across the UK and beyond who want to combine higher education with opportunities to progress into the professional game. For Welsh youngsters, it offers a way to stay in Wales while benefiting from elite‑level rugby development.

Ospreys Chief Executive Officer Lance Bradley said the collaboration builds on years of work between the two organisations:

“We are firm believers in the value of investing in the player pathway, and this is further demonstration of our commitment to that.

It enables us to both retain and attract talented young players to Swansea University, and for the Ospreys to have significant input to their rugby development.”

Bradley added that students will compete in the British Universities and Colleges Sports (BUCS) league, with the potential to progress into Super Rygbi Cymru. The most talented players could also join the Ospreys academy, as was the case with Max Nagy, now a first‑team regular.

St Helen’s facilities

The Ospreys’ upcoming move to their new ground at St Helen’s will give Swansea University students access to the redeveloped facilities, part of Swansea Council’s wider Swansea Bay Sports Park project.

University perspective

Professor Keith Lloyd, Director of Swansea University’s National Institute for Sport & Health (NISH), said the partnership reflects the University’s commitment to combining academic excellence with elite performance support:

“By bringing the expertise and professionalism of Ospreys Rugby into our University rugby programme, we’re creating an environment that helps athletes reach their full potential both on and off the field.

We’re incredibly proud to be part of an initiative that strengthens Welsh rugby and enhances opportunities for our students.”

Looking ahead

The Ospreys say they hope to introduce a similar programme for women’s rugby at Swansea University once the national plan for the women’s game in Wales is finalised.

#britishUniversitiesAndCollegesSportsLeague #eliteRugby #lanceBradley #nationalInstituteForSportHealth #ospreys #rugby #stHelensStadium #superRygbiCymru #swanseaBaySportsPark #swanseaUniversity

Swansea’s annual fireworks display to light up St Helen’s

Superhero‑themed spectacle

The event, titled A Super Spectacle, takes place on Wednesday, November 5. Gates open at 5pm, with pre‑show entertainment from 5.30pm before the main fireworks display at 7.30pm.

This year’s theme will celebrate superheroes, with stage performances including the K‑pop Demon Hunter dance session and Marvel Moves: Deadpool vs Wolverine. Visitors will also have the chance to meet characters such as Bat Woman, Superman, Groot, Wonder Woman and The Incredibles.

Affordable family tickets

Advance tickets are now on sale at Visit Swansea Bay, starting at £4 per person or £14 for a family of five. Swansea Council says the pricing makes the event a safer and cheaper alternative to home displays.

Extra food trucks will be on site this year, offering a wider choice of food and drink.

Council leader: “Safe, family‑friendly event”

Cllr Rob Stewart, Swansea Council Leader, said:

“Our annual fireworks display is a key event in the Swansea events programme offering a safe way for families, students and residents to celebrate fireworks night at a low cost.

This event, along with the Christmas Parade and Croeso, is part of the council’s ongoing commitment to providing our communities with quality, family‑friendly, free or low‑cost events.”

Travel and safety advice

Organisers are urging attendees to arrive early, as the display is always extremely popular and large crowds are expected. Parking and road closure details will be published ahead of the event.

An entertainment stage, live music and food stalls will help set the mood in the build‑up to the fireworks.

#BatWoman #BonfireNight #Deadpool #Fireworks #Groot #KPopDemonHunter #StHelens #StHelensStadium #Superheroes #Superman #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil #TheIncredibles #Wolverine #WonderWoman

Ospreys unveil new 2025/26 kits paying tribute to Swansea Bay and Celtic heritage

Created by Italian sportswear brand Macron, the kits will be worn in the United Rugby Championship and are made entirely from eco fabrics produced from 100% post‑consumer recycled plastic.

The home shirt is predominantly black with light copper detailing on the collar and sleeves. A tone‑on‑tone sublimated graphic depicts Swansea Bay and the wider Ospreys region, alongside an emblem honouring the team’s future home ground at St Helen’s.

The back of the collar features the outline of the Ospreys region, while the St Helen’s emblem is embossed near the hem. Black shorts and socks with copper accents complete the look.

The away shirt combines white and teal with black trim, and features a repeated Celtic knot design on the shoulders, sleeves and sides. The knot, symbolising connection, unity and friendship, is also embossed on the front.

The back of the collar carries the club crest and the initials OITC, representing Ospreys in the Community, the club’s charitable foundation. White shorts with teal side bands and white socks with teal and black stripes finish the kit.

Both kits are made from Macron’s Eco Armevo fabric, with additional eco‑friendly inserts designed for durability, lightness and breathability.

Supporters can buy the new shirts and the full Ospreys apparel range at the Rugby Heaven store in Swansea’s Quadrant Shopping Centre, Macron Sports Hubs in Cwmbwrla and Neath, online at macron.com, and at a pop‑up shop at the Brewery Field during Saturday’s friendly against Exeter Chiefs.

[Lead image: Ospreys Rugby]

#BreweryField #Macron #MacronSportsHub #newKit #Ospreys #OspreysInTheCommunity #Rugby #RugbyHeaven #StHelensStadium

Council leader welcomes planning approval for Ospreys’ St Helen’s stadium redevelopment

Following the announcement of planning approval for the Ospreys’ proposed redevelopment of St Helen’s Sports Ground, Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart has welcomed the decision and reaffirmed the council’s commitment to supporting the club’s long-term future in the city.

Cllr Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council, said: “It’s vitally important for sport and the local economy that the Ospreys continue to be based in Swansea and we’re working together to make that happen.

“We’re doing everything we can to support the Ospreys. We’ve agreed a lease for them to make St Helen’s their new home and to widen its community use.

“And I’m pleased the council’s planning committee has today granted planning permission for the exciting redevelopment of St Helen’s.”

The council’s endorsement follows confirmation that construction work is expected to begin this autumn, with the club aiming to relocate permanently to St Helen’s in December 2025.

The approved plans include a full-size World Rugby compliant 4G pitch, three new stands, a covered terrace, upgraded floodlights, fan zones, and improved access and parking. A second phase of development would add a training barn, gym and changing rooms.

Cllr Stewart added: “By having a lease agreed and planning permission in place the Ospreys can start moving ahead with their plans to remain in Swansea and transform the historic St Helen’s ground into a modern sports facility.”

The council’s investment and the Ospreys’ lease remain conditional, with ongoing uncertainty over the future of Wales’ four rugby regions due to a WRU consultation.

Cllr Stewart said: “We know the uncertainty over the future of the regions has raised concerns about the timing of the planned redevelopment of St Helen’s.

“That’s why we’re working closely with the Ospreys and have an agreement with them to ensure the works at St Helen’s progress in line with any WRU decisions on the future structure of the regions.

“We have done all we can to support the Ospreys to get them to this point. We now hope the WRU will end the uncertainty hanging over the regions and support the Ospreys in continuing top flight rugby in Swansea.”

The redevelopment is designed to honour the site’s sporting legacy while modernising infrastructure to support elite and community rugby. Swansea RFC and Swansea University will continue to play at the ground, with Swansea RFC temporarily relocating to Dunvant RFC’s Broadacre ground during construction.

Swansea Cricket Club, a tenant at St Helen’s since 1875, will vacate the site after the 2025 season. The council is working with the club to support its move to an upgraded facility at Sketty Lane.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Planning approved for Ospreys redevelopment of St Helen’s
Work set to begin this autumn on multi-million pound upgrade of Swansea’s historic rugby ground.

St Helen’s named as new home for Ospreys Rugby
Swansea’s historic sports ground chosen after year-long search for permanent base.

Swansea RFC confirms temporary move to Dunvant
Broadacre ground to host early matches during redevelopment works at St Helen’s.

#4GPitch #Brynmill #CllrRobStewart #Ospreys #Rugby #Sandfields #StHelensStadium #stadium #SwanseaCouncil #SwanseaCricketClub #SwanseaRFC #SwanseaUniversity #WRU