A packed public meeting brought together political leaders, supporters’ groups and figures from across Swansea’s civic and rugby communities as concerns grow over the region’s future. The event was called by Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart and Swansea West MP Torsten Bell, who urged the WRU to pause its restructuring proposals.
Swansea Council confirmed it has begun early‑stage legal action, issuing a pre‑action letter to the WRU and Y11, the company seeking to take over Cardiff Rugby. The authority argues the WRU’s plans could leave the Ospreys without a professional pathway beyond 2026–27.
Calls for transparency and a pause to WRU plans
Speakers warned that the region’s identity, history and community ties were at stake. Many described the proposals as a “stitch‑up” that would devastate rugby across Swansea Bay and undermine decades of development work.
Torsten Bell, MP for Swansea West, said:
“It was great to see so many Ospreys fans making their voices heard tonight. The sheer number who turned up shows just how much people love their club — and how much they hate a stitch‑up.
“People feel this has been done behind closed doors, without honesty or transparency. That’s why there was overwhelming support for the legal steps being taken by Swansea Council. The message to the WRU is clear: think carefully and think again.”
Fans warn of irreversible damage
Supporters spoke passionately about their fears for the club’s future, with many calling for WRU member clubs to demand change at an extraordinary general meeting. Representatives from supporters’ trusts said transparency had been lacking and that fans felt they were “fighting every single day” for the Ospreys’ existence.
Stewart told the audience the council had been “shocked” by what it had been told in recent meetings with rugby leaders and insisted Swansea would not accept anything less than the continuation of professional rugby in the region. He warned that the consequences of losing the Ospreys would be “irreversible”.
There were also calls for large‑scale protests ahead of the Ospreys’ upcoming home fixture later this month, with supporters’ groups exploring options for a coordinated demonstration.
The WRU has acknowledged receiving the council’s pre‑action letter and disputes the authority’s interpretation of recent discussions, but says it cannot comment further while taking legal advice.
