#sthelensstadium — Public Fediverse posts
Live and recent posts from across the Fediverse tagged #sthelensstadium, aggregated by home.social.
-
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Richard Collier-Keywood announced he would step down in July, with a vote of no confidence against him subsequently withdrawn.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
#EGM #Ospreys #OspreysSupportersClub #petition #RichardCollierKeywood #StHelensStadium #Swansea #WRU
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.
Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart speaks to media at St Helen’s after sealing the deal with the Ospreys
(Image: Swansea Council)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.
Local schoolchildren join Ospreys players at St Helen’s as the new community-focused rugby model is unveiled
(Image: Swansea Council)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.”
Council leader Rob Stewart with Ospreys players and officials at St Helen’s following the announcement of the new Swansea rugby modelCllr 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.
Key figures gather at St Helen’s as Swansea Council and the Ospreys agree a landmark partnership
(Image: Swansea Council)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
#CllrRobStewart #featured #grassrootsRugby #Ospreys #StHelensStadium #StHelensSwansea #SwanseaCouncil #WRU
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.
The St Helens Stadium in Swansea
(Image: Swansea Council)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.”
Ospreys at St Helens
(Image: Swansea Council)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
#AlunWynJones #CllrRobStewart #communitySport #featured #Ospreys #Rugby #StHelenSStadium #StHelensStadium #StHelensSwansea #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil #SwanseaRugbyCommunityBoard #WRU
Leadership turmoil adds to growing pressure on the union. -
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
#AlunWynJones #BarryWilliams #CllrRobStewart #Connacht #Galway #GavinHenson #IanGough #JamesHook #Ospreys #PaulJames #RichardHibbard #Rugby #RyanJones #ShaneWilliams #StHelensStadium #Swansea #TommyBowe #WRU #Y11
Announcement deepens uncertainty for the Ospreys beyond next season.