The warning came after South Wales West MS Sioned Williams raised the issue in the Senedd, calling for ministers to intervene and force the WRU to publish the full social, economic and community impact of any decision to scrap a team.
Williams, who represents Swansea, Neath Port Talbot and Bridgend, said the Ospreys were “widely understood to be at particular risk” as the WRU looks to reduce the number of regions from four to three.
She told the chamber that the consequences would stretch far beyond elite rugby, affecting schools, community clubs, local businesses and regeneration projects across the region.
“Over the last two weeks there has been growing frustration and anger at proposals by the WRU which would put the Ospreys at risk,” she said.
“This is not just a debate about elite sport. From schools to cafés, from community rugby clubs to local councils, there is deep concern about the wider impact of removing a professional rugby team that underpins participation pathways, local pride and regional identity.”
Williams said the threat also cast doubt over the future of the planned redevelopment of St Helen’s in Swansea, warning that losing the Ospreys would “damage both local economic ecosystems that rely on sport‑related activity and the city’s sporting profile”.
She asked ministers to confirm what discussions they had held with the WRU, what steps they would take to protect communities in South Wales West, and whether they would require the WRU to publish a full impact assessment before any decision is made.
(Image: Senedd TV)
In response, Welsh Government minister Jane Hutt said the matter was “for the WRU”:
“This is, of course, the Ospreys, in terms of impact, particularly on Swansea and the surrounding area region and Wales. This is a matter for the WRU, of course, but it is important that elected representatives, indeed at local and national level, can raise these issues.”
This prompted an angry reaction from Williams afterwards:
“It’s disappointing that the Welsh Government has failed to recognise its role in the matter,” she said. “Welsh rugby as we know it, and all that it signifies for my region, is being eroded on their watch, and it’s not good enough for them to wash their hands of the matter.”
Plaid Cymru says the Welsh Government cannot distance itself from the issue, pointing out that ministers have invested almost £5 million in the WRU since 2020 and still hold a £12.4 million loan to the governing body.
Williams said that level of public investment meant the Government had a responsibility to ensure decisions were based on evidence, transparency and the interests of communities.
“It’s important that Welsh Government demonstrate they are in full receipt of the facts about the impact to South Wales West before any decisions are made to reduce the number of regions,” she said.
The WRU has not yet confirmed which region is under threat, but speculation has centred on the Ospreys amid ongoing financial pressures and stalled talks over the future structure of the professional game.
