Government body asked to intervene over Ospreys

Swansea Council leaders have taken a new step in their bid to ensure Ospreys continue to exist beyond the end of the 2026-27 season.

Ospreys are under threat of being removed from the professional tier with owners Y11 Sports & Media in negotiations with the WRU as preferred bidders to buy Cardiff from the governing body.

That scenario could see the WRU achieve its aim of reducing Welsh rugby's top tier from four to three teams.

The local authority's latest move is to call on the the United Kingdom's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) "to investigate the proposed takeover of Cardiff Rugby which could lead to the loss of professional men's rugby in Swansea".

The council say its "concerns focus on the proposed reduction of professional teams from four to three, the process for allocating licences, and the potential for one ownership group to control two Welsh clubs".

The council says the proposals risk unfairly restricting competition, reducing choice for supporters, and damaging Swansea's economy.

Their statement also read: "The council is urging the CMA, external to investigate urgently and to consider interim measures to pause the proposed deal."

Swansea Council has pledged £1.5m as part of a deal to redevelop St Helen's, where Ospreys plan to play after their temporary 2025-26 season playing in Bridgend.

Council leader Rob Stewart said: "We cannot accept a situation where decisions are made behind closed doors to remove one of Wales' four professional teams and leave Swansea without top-level rugby.

"We are asking the CMA to step in urgently to protect competition and give our city and region the fair treatment it deserves."