Shock as WRU indicates Ospreys have 'no future' in rugby shake-up

SWANSEA council has hit out at the Welsh Rugby Union's plans to cull a professional team, saying bosses have indicated to them there is no viable future for the Ospreys.

- BEN JAMES

Ospreys players have been told they will exist in their current form for 18 months, with games to be played at the newly developed St Helen's

(Chris Fairweather/Huw Evans Agency)

In an explosive statement released following a meeting between council leader Rob Stewart, Ospreys CEO Lance Bradley and WRU CEO Abi Tierney yesterday, it said it cannot commit any money to the development of St Helen's until the Ospreys' future is resolved.

The WRU confirmed yesterday that it has entered into negotiations with the Ospreys' owners, Y11, to buy Cardiff.

The governing body states that Y11 will own both clubs, with the Ospreys to continue playing in the United Rugby Championship until at least the end of the 2026-27 season. No guarantee on their future has been given beyond that.

Ospreys CEO Mr Bradley had told players and staff earlier this week that the club would continue to exist for at least 18 months and would play at St Helen's from next season.