WRU accused of 'malicious cultural vandalism'

"One of the greatest and most malicious, deliberate pieces of cultural vandalism ever seen in Wales."

That is how Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart has described Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) plans to cut the number of professional teams in Wales from four to three.

His comment came as fellow councillors unanimously backed an emergency motion on Thursday evening to demand the WRU reconsiders.

The future of Swansea-based team Ospreys has been plunged into uncertainty after owners Y11 Sport and Media emerged as the preferred bidder to take over rivals Cardiff.

Four-time league champions Ospreys have only been given guarantees as a professional side until June 2027.

The motion claimed the governing body's plans will have a "significant impact" on sport and wellbeing in the region as well as an economic impact to the area.

Stewart confirmed the local authority had been advised there were legal avenues to explore against both the WRU and Y11.

He added: "We will fight for the survival of the Ospreys and regional rugby in Swansea.

"If we had ignored it, we would have been facilitating one of the greatest and most malicious deliberate cultural vandalism ever seen in Wales."

Ospreys players say they have been "kept in the dark" over the region's fate, while former employees have come out this week in support of their old region.

Ospreys and Cardiff fans have voiced opposition to Y11s 's bid to take over the capital club, which has been in the hands of the WRU since going into administration in April 2025.

Swansea Council is preparing to spend £5m to redevelop a new home for Ospreys at St Helen's but will only release the funds with a guarantee of the club's long-term professional future rather than as a potential semi-pro team.

"The only thing holding that (funding) up is the WRU. They need to commit to having the Ospreys as a regional rugby side with a long-term future, playing at the highest level," said Stewart.

"This is not about the Ospreys continuing, rebranded or repackaged, made up as something else playing in a different league.

"There are some weasel words being used here to talk about the future. So we must be clear.

"It is the Ospreys as they are now, as a fully regional side, supported by the WRU. That will allow us to release the money committed to St Helen's."

The authority promises to support the development of women's rugby at the site, but only in addition to, and not instead of, a professional regional men's side.

Relations between Swansea council and the rugby bodies have become fraught in recent days.

Swansea council stated last Tuesday it was considering legal action ahead of a meeting in which, it claims, there was "a clear indication" in a meeting with the WRU and Ospreys that the union "saw no viable future" for the club in their plans.

Ospreys chief executive Lance Bradley refuted that suggestion in an email to staff, though Swansea Council stood by the comment.

The council's added that it was "confident that when full details can be shared publicly, the email issued by the Ospreys will be shown to be inaccurate".

Stewart delivered a stark warning at Thursday's meeting to the WRU and Y11 that the council intends to publish the full details of that meeting - other than confidential matters - at 16.00 on Wednesday, 4 February.

Former Ospreys players, including Wales and British and Irish Lions stars such as Shane Williams, Alun Wyn Jones, Gavin Henson, Ryan Jones and James Hook have united to call for a "rethink" on the plans.

Wales head coach Steve Tandy has admitted the uncertainty has impacted preparations for the Six Nations, which starts next week.

Fans are also set to protest at this weekend's United Rugby Championship match against Dragons.

The WRU is also facing calls for the extraordinary council meeting that includes a vote of no confidence in the chairman Richard Collier-Keywood.

"If those at the top of the WRU are unable or unwilling to connect with the public, listen to the players, supporters and the clubs, then clearly the option must be to remove them at an extraordinary general meeting," Stewart said.

The council leader also said he was meeting with Welsh Government ministers on Friday to discuss the Covid loans given to the WRU.