Another unknown is what will happen with the £5m development of the St Helen’s ground in Swansea that was set to be the Ospreys’ new home from the start of next season.
Swansea Council, which is funding the project, this week said it was considering legal action to safeguard the future of regional rugby in the city and they held a meeting on Thursday.
After the meeting, Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart called on the WRU to halt its plans, criticising the decision to cut a team.
Stewart warned the Y11 proposals threaten the Ospreys’ heritage and the long-term future of the sport in Swansea.
“The council is shocked by these proposals as we have been working with the Ospreys on the St Helen’s redevelopment as their new home of regional rugby in Swansea,” said Stewart.
“It was hugely disappointing to hear what the WRU had to say. There was a clear indication they saw no viable future for the Ospreys within their new arrangements.
“I have urged Abi Tierney to pause their process now and to think again. We will continue to do everything we can to secure regional rugby in Swansea and keep pressing the WRU on this decision.
“Rugby fans in Swansea, across the region and throughout Wales know this is the wrong decision.”
Stewart also challenged the WRU’s reasoning and the fairness of its process.
“I did not agree with the rationale they outlined,” said Stewart
“If four regions is no longer possible, the process must at least be fair. At present, only one side is in administration, Cardiff, and that’s the team owned by the WRU.
“They could base the decision on success: which region has delivered results, produced players, and built the strongest pathways.
“On those criteria, the Ospreys stand out as Wales’ most successful region.”
Time is ticking for the ground to be ready for the Ospreys at the start of next season in September, with Mark Jones’ side playing at Bridgend during this campaign.
The council reaffirmed its commitment to creating a state-of-the-art sports park in Swansea but say they are waiting on a final outcome for its redevelopment on the new rugby ground proposals.
“The plan to redevelop St Helen’s was dependent on the Ospreys remaining one of Wales’ professional regional teams,” said Stewart.
“We cannot commit any money to St Helen’s until this matter is resolved.”
