#y11 — Public Fediverse posts

Rugby clubs formally call WRU Emergency General Meeting as MPs and council leader back vote of no confidence in chair

The requisition notice was submitted to the WRU on Sunday morning, marking a dramatic escalation in the battle over plans to reduce the number of professional Welsh regions from four to three – a move that could see the Ospreys forced out of professional rugby.

The EGM, which will be held after the conclusion of the men’s Six Nations next month, is expected to centre on a motion of no confidence in Collier-Keywood, who was appointed chair in 2023. The WRU now has 21 days to acknowledge and schedule the meeting.

Torsten Bell, Labour MP for Swansea West, said the EGM was “totally right” and urged all clubs to attend and vote for a change of leadership.

“The WRU are trying to shrink Welsh rugby and end professional rugby in Wales’s second city,” he said. “If this isn’t an emergency, I don’t know what is.”

Political pressure mounts

The move has won backing from across Swansea’s political establishment, with Carolyn Harris, Labour MP for Swansea East, saying grassroots clubs “are the foundation of Welsh rugby” and their voices “matter”.

Swansea Council Leader Rob Stewart revealed the main business of the EGM will be the removal of the WRU chair via a vote of no confidence, and urged clubs to “stop the WRU in their tracks, elect new leaders, and come together to form a new plan for a brighter more ambitious future for Welsh Rugby”.

Stewart, who hit out at the WRU with a “shame on you” message after thousands of seats lay empty for Wales’ defeat, said: “For weeks supporters, players and communities have been asking the WRU to put a stop to their chaotic plans. The WRU have arrogantly continued, ignoring pleas to change course.”

Last week, Swansea Council moved to seek an injunction to prevent the WRU agreeing a deal with Y11 – the current Ospreys owners – to purchase Cardiff Rugby. The council has also asked the Competition and Markets Authority to intervene.

Threshold met after Central Glamorgan letter

The EGM was triggered after the threshold of 10% of the WRU’s 283 community clubs putting in a request was met. This followed a letter from Central Glamorgan urging all clubs to express a desire in calling an EGM, amid widespread dismay over the WRU’s plans.

The move marks the latest sign of widespread anger towards the WRU, following their chaotic attempts to reduce the number of professional clubs in Wales and to force the Ospreys out of the professional game without due process. Earlier this week, a business revolt saw former Principality COO mobilize an independent group to challenge WRU leadership.

It emerged that the WRU had lined up Y11 as the preferred bidders to purchase Cardiff Rugby, a move that would effectively end professional rugby in Swansea and consolidate ownership in the hands of the Ospreys’ current owners.

8,000 signatures and packed Brangwyn Hall

A joint petition from the Ospreys, Cardiff and Dragons supporters’ clubs has garnered more than 8,000 signatures to date, and recently over 500 fans packed into Swansea’s Brangwyn Hall to stand up for the Ospreys.

Torsten Bell said:

“For weeks supporters, players and communities have been asking the WRU to put a stop to their chaotic plans. But there are no signs they are listening. Grassroot clubs have now concluded that the only way to ensure the WRU changes course is to change the leadership. I agree.”

He added:

“I urge all clubs to attend the EGM, vote for a change of leadership and bring this chaos to an end.”

‘Transparency and clarity essential’

Carolyn Harris said the EGM “reflects the depth of feeling across our region about the uncertainty surrounding the future of the Ospreys and professional regional rugby in Neath and Swansea”.

She added:

“Grassroots clubs are the foundation of Welsh rugby. Their voices matter, and it is right that they are heard. At a time like this, transparency, clarity and proper engagement are essential. Our players, supporters and communities deserve nothing less.”

Rob Stewart said:

“While an injunction will prevent a deal being signed, an EGM gives the clubs the chance to make real and immediate change in the leadership and direction of the WRU.”

He added:

“The clubs can stop the WRU in their tracks, elect new leaders, and come together to form a new plan for a brighter more ambitious future for Welsh Rugby. They have my 100% support for this action.”

What happens next?

The WRU now has 21 days to acknowledge the requisition notice and schedule the EGM. The meeting is expected to take place after the conclusion of the Six Nations, which ends on March 15.

The vote of no confidence in Collier-Keywood is likely to have huge ramifications for the WRU’s proposals to cut the number of Welsh regions to three. If successful, it could force a complete rethink of the union’s strategy and potentially save professional rugby in Swansea.

The crisis has seen interventions from Ospreys legends, actor Michael Sheen, former Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones, and MPs who accused the WRU of a “stitch-up”.

The EGM will give member clubs across Wales the opportunity to debate and vote on motions to change the WRU’s leadership and direction.

Alun Wyn Jones warns WRU’s Ospreys plan would leave a rugby ‘black hole’ across Swansea Bay

Jones, the most‑capped player in international rugby history with 170 Tests for Wales and the Lions, told the Daily Mail the WRU is “badly out of step” with supporters and risks tearing apart the communities that built the modern game.

‘If you lose people, what do you have?’

The former Wales captain — born in Swansea, raised in Mumbles, and awarded the Honorary Freedom of the City in 2019 — said the Ospreys crisis strikes at the heart of the region he has represented his entire life.

“It’s clear there’s a big divide between most supporters and the WRU,” he said, adding that the governing body “doesn’t seem aligned internally” and has failed to communicate properly with Ospreys players and staff.

“Rugby’s essence is its teams, its people. If you lose them, what do you have?”

Jones warned that removing the Ospreys would devastate the entire rugby chain across Swansea, Neath, Port Talbot and Bridgend — including the historic clubs that feed the region and the schools and colleges that produce its players.

A crisis spiralling across Swansea Bay

His comments land as the Ospreys saga intensifies by the day. Swansea Council has already united behind an emergency motion demanding answers from the WRU, MPs have accused the governing body of a “stitch‑up”, and Hollywood actor Michael Sheen has publicly urged a rethink.

Behind the scenes, talks have taken place over a potential Ospreys return to St Helen’s next season, even as the region’s leadership publicly rejected claims they had “no future”. The WRU’s confirmation that Cardiff Rugby is to be sold to Y11 — leaving the Ospreys with no guarantees beyond next year — has only deepened the uncertainty.

Jones said the fallout would stretch far beyond one badge.

“It’s not just the Ospreys at risk. It’s also Neath, Swansea, Bridgend and Aberavon — the clubs that feed the region.”

‘They’re as bad as each other at the minute’

In a rare moment of blunt honesty, Jones said both the WRU and the regions share responsibility for the mess Welsh rugby now finds itself in.

“We’ve seen infighting between the WRU and the regions in the past. I think they’re as bad as each other at the minute.”

He warned that the WRU’s three‑team plan is a “short‑term fix” that ignores the long‑term health of the sport and risks hollowing out one of Welsh rugby’s most important heartlands.

“If the Ospreys go, we’ll have a black hole from the Loughor Bridge all the way up to Bridgend where there won’t be a professional rugby team. Rugby could potentially diminish there.”

What the WRU’s plan means for Swansea Bay

What is the WRU proposing?
The governing body wants to cut the men’s professional game from four regions to three, leaving the Ospreys as the team most at risk beyond next season.

Why are the Ospreys vulnerable?
The WRU has approved the sale of Cardiff Rugby to Y11, creating a new ownership model that leaves the Ospreys without long‑term guarantees and exposed to restructuring.

What would it mean for Swansea, Neath and Port Talbot?
Removing the Ospreys would break the player pathway across Swansea Bay, affecting schools, colleges and historic clubs including Swansea, Neath, Bridgend and Aberavon.

What political pressure is the WRU facing?
Swansea Council has passed an emergency motion, MPs have accused the WRU of a “stitch‑up”, and actor Michael Sheen has urged the governing body to rethink.

What happens next?
The WRU is expected to make a final decision on the future of the regions later this year, leaving the Ospreys and their supporters waiting for clarity.

A legend still fighting for his region

Jones may be retired, but his voice still carries enormous weight — especially in Swansea Bay, where he remains one of the city’s most celebrated sons. His Freedom of the City honour recognised not just his achievements, but his role as an ambassador for the place that shaped him.

Now, as the WRU prepares to make a decision that could reshape Welsh rugby for a generation, Jones has made his position unmistakably clear.

And with political pressure mounting, supporter anger rising, and the Ospreys’ future still hanging in the balance, his warning may be the loudest alarm bell yet.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Ospreys legends unite to demand WRU rethink
Former players — including Alun Wyn Jones — called on the WRU to abandon plans that threaten the region’s future.

Swansea Council unites as Ospreys crisis deepens
Councillors delivered a rare cross‑party show of support for the Ospreys amid growing uncertainty.

Emergency motion tabled over Ospreys future
Swansea Council’s leader demanded urgent clarity from the WRU as concern mounted across the city.

Michael Sheen urges WRU to rethink Ospreys plan
The actor warned the WRU that removing a region would damage communities across south Wales.

Talks confirmed over potential St Helen’s return
The Ospreys and Swansea Council discussed a move back to the historic ground next season.

Ospreys boss blasts claims region has ‘no future’
The region’s leadership hit back at suggestions the Ospreys were already finished.

MPs accuse WRU of ‘stitch‑up’
Westminster politicians criticised the WRU’s handling of the regional shake‑up.

Swansea Council blasts WRU over Ospreys threat
The council warned the WRU that removing the Ospreys would devastate the city’s rugby pathway.

Ospreys chief breaks silence after WRU confirms Cardiff sale
The region responded after the WRU approved Y11’s takeover of Cardiff Rugby.

WRU confirms Cardiff sale as Ospreys face uncertainty
The governing body set out its plan for Cardiff Rugby, leaving the Ospreys’ long‑term future unclear.

Council leader tables emergency motion over Ospreys future

The motion will be debated at today’s full council meeting at the Guildhall, where members of the public will be able to ask questions before councillors vote on the proposal.

Rob Stewart, leader of Swansea Council, said he was “extremely concerned” about the WRU’s direction, warning that the governing body’s plan, combined with confirmation that Y11 is negotiating to buy Cardiff Rugby, poses a direct threat to the Ospreys’ future as a regional side. He said recent developments had “deviated significantly” from the WRU’s own stated approach and were “neither fair nor transparent”.

Stewart said the WRU had never provided evidence to support its claim that Wales lacks the money or talent to sustain four regions. He pointed out that the WRU received more than £20 million more than the Irish Rugby Football Union last year, despite Ireland continuing to fund four successful regions and achieving major success at club and international level.

The motion urges the WRU to withdraw its proposal immediately, citing the impact on Swansea residents, future generations, local wellbeing and the concerns expressed by supporters, players and clubs.

The intervention comes after weeks of escalating tension. Ospreys legends recently united to demand a rethink, while Swansea Council previously blasted the WRU over fears the region could be “wiped out”. Talks have since taken place over a possible return to St Helen’s, but the row deepened when Ospreys chief executive Lance Bradley hit back at the council in a public dispute over the region’s future. Local MPs have also accused the WRU of a “stitch‑up”.

Stewart’s motion goes further than previous statements, confirming support for “any reasonable actions” to secure the Ospreys’ future in Swansea, including potential legal action to prevent the WRU from ending regional rugby in the city. It also commits to redeveloping St Helen’s into a modern venue capable of hosting the region, while stressing that any development of women’s rugby must be in addition to, not instead of, retaining the Ospreys.

The motion instructs Stewart and senior officers to write to the WRU, the Ospreys, Y11, World Rugby and other relevant bodies to set out Swansea’s position and request support in protecting regional rugby.

The political pressure follows a high‑profile intervention from actor Michael Sheen, who urged the WRU to rethink its plans earlier this week. With former players, politicians, supporters and now the council leader united in opposition, scrutiny on the WRU continues to intensify.

Emergency motion submitted by Cllr Rob Stewart

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

We are especially concerned about the impacts the WRU plan has on the Ospreys’ future as a regional team, following the WRU confirmation that Y11 is negotiating to buy Cardiff Rugby from the WRU. The Council is concerned that recent developments have deviated significantly from the WRU’s own approach and are neither fair nor transparent.

The WRU have claimed there is not enough money or talent in Wales to continue with four regions. They have never provided detailed evidence to support this statement. We believe there are sufficient resources within the WRU to fund four successful regions going forward. The WRU received more than £20 million more than the Irish Rugby Football Union, who have retained four regions and are achieving significant success at regional and national level.

Given the significance of safeguarding the future of Welsh rugby, acknowledging the impact on Swansea residents, future generations, wellbeing and the considerable concerns expressed by fans, players, clubs and the wider public regarding the WRU’s current proposals, we urge the WRU to immediately reconsider its approach and withdraw its proposal to reduce the number of professional regional rugby teams in Wales from four to three.

This council resolves that we fully endorse and support the statements made by the Leader and the Council following the meeting with the WRU and Ospreys Chief Executives.

We fully support the Council in taking any reasonable actions to ensure the future of the Ospreys as a regional professional side continuing to play in Swansea. This includes any appropriate legal action to prevent the WRU from ending regional rugby in Swansea.

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

We support the Council in its commitment to redevelop St Helen’s to support the creation of an enhanced modern rugby venue to meet the aspirations of the Ospreys region to return to St Helen’s. This does not preclude the Ospreys negotiating use of the Swansea.com Stadium for individual games should they need to do so.

We request the Leader or the relevant officers write to the WRU, the Ospreys, Y11, World Rugby or any other relevant party to outline the Council’s position and request assistance in taking whatever actions are necessary to protect regional rugby in Swansea and the future success of rugby at all levels in Wales.

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.

Ospreys coach says CEO meeting offered ‘little clarity’ with players left ‘frustrated, confused and fearful’

The region was already dealing with the fallout of a narrow European defeat to Montpellier when late‑night reports emerged that the WRU had granted exclusivity to a preferred bidder for Cardiff — later reported to be Y11, the Ospreys’ majority owners. Under WRU rules, no organisation can own more than one professional team, leaving players and staff deeply unsettled about what the move could mean for them.

Jones said the squad only learned of the development through leaks and news articles, with some players hearing the speculation from partners and family members before any internal briefing.

Players blindsided as training scrapped for emergency meeting

Jones confirmed that Tuesday’s planned training session was abandoned so the squad could address the situation, with Bradley attempting to brief players and staff.

Mark Jones, Ospreys head coach, said the meeting raised more questions than answers.

“We didn’t get anywhere near the amount of clarity everybody was looking for. It was a news article that broke, so it was all speculation. Lance tried to give as much information as he could, but we’re still a little way away from getting the full picture.”

He said emotions in the room ranged widely.

“There was frustration, confusion, probably a bit of fear as well around the unknown. If you don’t know what’s going on, it can create a lot of anxiety.”

Jones confirmed that “one or two players” left the meeting early, describing it as a natural reaction from individuals who “just wanted their own space”.

‘We heard it second‑hand — sometimes through my children’

Jones said the most difficult part was that the squad learned of the situation through leaks rather than internal communication.

Mark Jones, said:

“Where this has been very difficult is the leaks that have happened before our people and our family have been told what’s coming out. We’re hearing it second‑hand and sometimes through my children or my partner.”

He revealed he first heard about the speculation when his wife sent him screenshots of an article late at night.

‘Is it a betrayal? We don’t know what buying Cardiff means’

Asked whether the squad felt betrayed by Y11, Jones said it was impossible to judge without knowing the owners’ intentions — or what their Cardiff bid would mean for the Ospreys.

“It just depends what it looks like. What does buying Cardiff mean? That’s the crucial bit. Then you can decide whether it’s a betrayal or not.”

He said the only firm information given to players is that jobs are secure for the next 18 months under the current funding agreement.

Disruption hits preparations for Lions clash

Jones admitted the timing is “not helpful at all” ahead of Friday night’s match against the Lions, with the squad losing a full day of on‑field preparation.

But he praised the players’ response.

“The way the boys have come in today, the energy they’ve brought… the field session we’ve done off the back of that has been pretty good.”

‘Professional rugby in this area is massive’

Jones said he could not imagine the region without a professional side.

“I’ve lived in the area 16 or 17 years. My sons both played junior sport here. They love the Ospreys. It’s awesome to have a team like the Ospreys as a figurehead for young players.”

He added that the region “has to play a part in Welsh rugby moving forwards”.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Ospreys crisis deepens as MPs summon WRU chiefs and players accuse owners of ‘cowardly’ leadership
MPs demand answers as players accuse Y11 of failing to communicate during growing uncertainty.

Swansea Council leader says legal options being examined as uncertainty over Ospreys intensifies
Swansea Council confirms legal advice is being sought as fears grow over the region’s future.

Future of Ospreys under threat as club owner believed to be WRU’s preferred bidder for Cardiff
Reports suggest Y11 have been granted exclusivity to pursue a Cardiff takeover, raising major questions for the Ospreys.