Ospreys linked with return to St Helens

It would be no surprise though if elite rugby returns to the famous ground in the near future. The overwhelming success of the Whites 150^th anniversary match against the Barbarians which saw a bumper 6,238 crowd return to St Helen’s just a fortnight ago to witness an early evening feast of flowing rugby, shows there is potential and hunger in the city for more of the same. 

Within the glorious South Wales sunshine, it wasn’t just nostalgia that was back in full flow, but an introduction to a new generation to the atmosphere and magic of the ground. Judging by the game’s reaction a return could be a popular move.

Following two seasons of ground sharing at St Helen’s and at the Gnoll in Neath, the Ospreys moved to the Swansea.com Stadium following its opening for the start of the 2005/6 season – ground sharing with the city’s football club.

The stadium though has rarely been filled to its 21,000 capacity, with average gates averaging a third of the total capacity, leading to at times a drop in the atmosphere for rugby matches. There is also the commercial conundrum with the financial benefits of single ownership lucrative out of third-party ownership.

It is not the first time in recent times though that plans of a move away from Morfa have been mooted, with the Ospreys linked in pre-Covid times to follow the likes of Glasgow in moving into a smaller home. 2019 saw talk of a new sports hub in Llandarcy fall away, but post-pandemic, timing may be better on this occasion for fruition.

For rumors to become reality, however, a significant amount of work would be needed to meet the requirements of the standard of elite rugby with significant work needed on three of the stands, access points, and the overall infrastructure. How the project would be funded is unknown.

“Swansea has a rich and proud sporting history, and we are seeking to secure more world-leading sports facilities in Swansea,” commented a council spokesman.

“We are continuing to work closely with Swansea University and other partners to explore the opportunities to create a Swansea Bay Sports Park’

“This will be for the benefit of local residents, students, visitors and a wide range of local and national sports organisations.

“As part of this, we are committed to enhancing and sustaining facilities for the well-being of current and future generations.

“The process is in its early stages and at this point we are looking to explore options.  No decisions have been made and Consultation with residents and communities will take place as the process progresses.”

No confirmation of a rumored return to the famous seaside ground has been confirmed in the near future yet with the Ospreys set to continue to play at the Swansea.com Stadium for the 2023/34 season. It is understood though that the club would be open to the feasibility of future ventures.

“The Ospreys are always open to exploring new possibilities. The Ospreys home ground for the 23/24 season will remain the Swansea.com Stadium,” an Ospreys spokesman disclosed.

“However, there is the potential to play certain games at alternative venues should there be a fixture clash with Swansea City. This is standard practice and only be looked at once fixtures are confirmed.”