On Sunday, the WRU released a statement saying that with Ospreys and Scarlets not signing by the deadline set, it had therefore taken the “difficult but necessary decision to issue the formal two-year notice to terminate the current PRA agreement in order, in particular, to proceed with its debt refinancing.”
The governing body made the announcement amid reports it intends to cut a team from its professional tier, an action that the WRU has neither confirmed nor denied.
Bradley has written to fans to reassure them Ospreys are determined to survive and thrive. The statement said:
“I wanted to write to you to let you know our thoughts following yesterday’s statement from the WRU, and to personally thank you for your continued support.
“The “One Wales” strategy had been worked on collaboratively by the WRU and all four professional clubs for more than a year.
“The WRU’s sudden U-turn away from that strategy and their commitment to a ‘four teams, equally funded’ model for Welsh professional rugby was surprising and disappointing. It has raised questions for all four professional clubs, and for those who back and support them
“We understand that this kind of news can cause concern, but we want to reassure you, we are committed to building a sustainable, competitive, and exciting future for the Ospreys, especially as we prepare for our move to St Helen’s. We’re proud of who we are, what we stand for, and the role we play in Welsh rugby.
“There are still questions to be answered, and like you, we have many of them.
“While we may not have all the clarity right now, we want you to know we’re fully committed to securing not just the future of the Ospreys, but to play our part in ensuring a strong future for Welsh rugby as a whole.
“Our focus stays the same, building a strong, sustainable future for the club, and continuing to do our supporters proud.”
Ospreys are due to move from Swansea.com Stadium to return to the St Helen’s ground in the city by the end of the year with Swansea Council involved in the £5m redevelopment process.
Bradley says he has spoken with Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart.
“I’m pleased to say I can confirm the council’s commitment to our redevelopment of St Helen’s remains unchanged,” said Bradley.
“We’re grateful for their continued support.”
Torsten Bell, MP for Swansea West, welcomed the council’s commitment to the development. He said:
“The uncertainty created by the Welsh Rugby Union’s statement on Sunday about the future of regional rugby is bad for everyone – fans, clubs, and the communities around them.
“The WRU must answer the legitimate questions being asked by the Ospreys, and for that matter, the Scarlets, so that everyone can move forward in the best interests of Welsh Rugby.
“I’ll be meeting with the club CEO in the coming days to discuss the urgent matter and will be monitoring developments closely in the weeks ahead.
“Despite the uncertainty, I welcome news that Swansea Council’s commitment to the redevelopment of St Helens remains steadfast.
“Clubs, fans, and communities need answers. A fair and equitable way forward must be found.”
[Lead image: Ospreys Rugby]
