Question sparks backlash at Swansea fan event
The incident took place at a fan engagement evening held at the Patti Pavilion in Swansea on 23 September, led by Ospreys chief executive Lancy Bradley.
Supporters were invited to submit questions via a live Q&A app. One attendee posed the question: “Are HOL con men?” — referring to House of Luxury Group, the Scarlets’ new investment partner.
The question appeared briefly on a large screen during the event and was later visible in background images posted to the Ospreys’ social media channels.
In a statement released late on Saturday night, the club said:
“We apologise to the House of Luxury Group for the distress and upset caused by the publication of these photos, to the House of Luxury Group Board, and those connected with the company.”
Investment tensions amid WRU restructure
The apology comes as Welsh rugby faces a major shake‑up, with the WRU expected to reduce the number of professional teams from four to two or three by the end of October.
House of Luxury (HOL) began its partnership with the Scarlets in August, with its sports division now overseeing the club’s off‑field operations. If the Scarlets survive the restructure, HOL is expected to take a 55% shareholding, subject to WRU due diligence.
Simon Kozlowski, HOL’s chief experience officer, has publicly stated that if only one team remains in the west, it should be the Scarlets — citing their infrastructure and history.
The firm is led by Kirsti Jane Baker, 36, originally from Pontypridd. HOL is registered in Montana, USA, and not required to disclose financial accounts or ownership details under local law.
Rivalry intensifies as future hangs in balance
The apology follows months of friction between the regions. Carmarthenshire politicians and Scarlets supporters previously objected to the Ospreys’ plans to redevelop St Helen’s, which the Swansea‑based club sees as central to its long‑term future.
The WRU board is expected to make a final decision on the professional game’s future structure by the end of the month — a move likely to trigger instability and recriminations across the regional landscape.
