Council leader Rob Stewart said the future of the ground had been held back by unresolved questions around Welsh rugby.
“The future of St Helen’s has been on hold due to ongoing discussions about regional rugby in Wales which are unlikely to end anytime soon,” he said.
“The WRU is not giving us the answers we need to move forward despite our requests, such as how Y11 can own two teams for a long period of time. In light of the impending EGM, I doubt the WRU knows where it is going.”
Moving ahead despite uncertainty
Stewart said Swansea must now act rather than wait for clarity from the Welsh Rugby Union.
“We must break that deadlock in the meantime and find how we can move forward as a city despite the WRU’s lack of answers,” he said.
“We propose to create a new model that strengthens both professional and grassroots rugby across Swansea and the Ospreys region.”
New vision for St Helen’s
The plans would see St Helen’s redeveloped into a modern rugby venue centred on a new all-weather 4G pitch. The surface would be used by the Ospreys for matchdays and weekly team run-outs, while also being opened up to Swansea RFC, schools, clubs and community groups for the rest of the week.
Stewart said the aim is to create a facility that serves both elite sport and the wider community.
“Our joint investment would give the Ospreys a home worthy of professional rugby while opening up this iconic ground to the community like never before.”
Under the proposed model, the council would fund key community-focused upgrades including the pitch and floodlights, while the Ospreys would deliver professional-level improvements such as a new stand, fan zone and broadcast facilities.
(Image: Swansea Council)
Focus on grassroots rugby
The proposals also include a significant expansion of community rugby activity, with the Ospreys expected to deliver club nights, school sessions, open training events and coaching development opportunities.
“For the first time in many years, children and young people will have access to a safe, modern, central facility — whatever the weather,” Stewart said.
“This model strengthens the player pathway by linking clubs, schools, colleges and the Ospreys Academy.”
A new Swansea Rugby Community Board is also proposed to help ensure the redevelopment delivers long-term benefits for local people, while former Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones has agreed to work with the council on the project.
Ospreys return in sight
The Ospreys say they have been working with the council for months on the proposals and believe the plan could allow them to return to Swansea as early as next season while expanding their community work.
Stewart added: “This continues our support for the Ospreys remaining as a professional rugby region based in Swansea.”
(Image: Swansea Council)
Decision within days
The proposals are due to be considered by the council’s cabinet this week, with work potentially starting in April if approved.
The council has also confirmed its legal action over the WRU’s proposed Y11 deal is continuing — underlining the wider uncertainty surrounding the future of Welsh rugby.
