Swansea Council Leader Slams WRU's 'Can-Kicking' on Region Cuts
The leader of Swansea Council, Rob Stewart, has strongly criticized the Welsh Rugby Union's recent statement regarding its commitment to reducing the number of professional rugby regions from four to three. Stewart described the WRU's announcement as a "can-kicking" exercise, arguing that it lacks concrete action and fails to address the immediate concerns surrounding the future of Welsh rugby.
Ospreys Protected Until 2030 Amid Funding Deals
Rob Stewart emphasized that the Ospreys, one of Wales' four professional rugby regions, are now safeguarded until at least 2030. This protection comes as the Scarlets and Ospreys are expected to sign new four-year funding agreements with the WRU, known as Professional Rugby Agreements. These deals are seen as a significant step in securing the short-term stability of the regions, despite the WRU's long-term goal of consolidation.
Stewart highlighted the council's role in this development, stating, "We believe the action we took as a council, and the legal action, has clearly focused the WRU's mind and means they no longer wish to proceed with a deal for Cardiff with Y11." He added that this outcome ensures Y11 Sport and Media, the majority owner of the Ospreys, is now fully committed to supporting the team for the next four years.
WRU's Position and Future Plans
Despite the new funding deals, the WRU maintains its stance on reducing the number of regions to three. The union has indicated that it will provide more details on this plan in June, with a competitive tendering process likely for three licenses based in Cardiff, east Wales, and west Wales. However, Stewart expressed skepticism about the feasibility of this reduction, noting that with all PRAs signed, it would be "incredibly difficult and messy" for the WRU to backtrack.
The WRU has early termination clauses in its PRA 25 agreements with the Dragons and Cardiff, which it operates through a subsidiary. Contrary to Stewart's view, the union has stated it intends to terminate these deals at the end of the 2027-28 season, aligning with its regional reduction strategy.
Legal Challenges and Community Impact
Swansea Council has been actively involved in legal actions against the WRU, including a submission to the Competition and Markets Authority in February, alleging breaches of the Competition Act in the proposed sale of Cardiff Rugby to Y11. Although the CMA has not pursued the investigation further, the council has also lodged a High Court action, which Stewart confirmed will not be withdrawn until full assurances are received from the WRU.
Stewart remarked on the broader implications, saying, "The union's approach has always been about money rather than the underlying reality, which is the culture of rugby in Wales. If you don't understand the culture, you are never going to get the right result." He stressed that the campaign to save the Ospreys has been a collective effort, involving supporters, fans, players, and the public, and this victory is dedicated to them.
Future Developments and Economic Benefits
Looking ahead, Y11 and Swansea Council are set to collaborate on the redevelopment of St Helen's into a new sporting and community venue. The Ospreys plan to invest £3 million in this project, with the council matching this amount to transform the ground into their new home from the start of the next season. This redevelopment is expected to boost the local economy and provide facilities for other sports teams.
Stewart also touched on the potential for an Anglo-Welsh league from 2030, which he believes could attract Y11's continued investment in the Ospreys, despite the team currently being a loss-maker in their portfolio. He concluded by emphasizing the importance of maintaining four professional regions in Wales to meet the desires of fans, players, and the public, reinforcing the tribal nature of Welsh rugby that makes mergers, such as between the Ospreys and Scarlets, highly unlikely.
