The region was already dealing with the fallout of a narrow European defeat to Montpellier when late‑night reports emerged that the WRU had granted exclusivity to a preferred bidder for Cardiff — later reported to be Y11, the Ospreys’ majority owners. Under WRU rules, no organisation can own more than one professional team, leaving players and staff deeply unsettled about what the move could mean for them.
Jones said the squad only learned of the development through leaks and news articles, with some players hearing the speculation from partners and family members before any internal briefing.
Players blindsided as training scrapped for emergency meeting
Jones confirmed that Tuesday’s planned training session was abandoned so the squad could address the situation, with Bradley attempting to brief players and staff.
Mark Jones, Ospreys head coach, said the meeting raised more questions than answers.
“We didn’t get anywhere near the amount of clarity everybody was looking for. It was a news article that broke, so it was all speculation. Lance tried to give as much information as he could, but we’re still a little way away from getting the full picture.”
He said emotions in the room ranged widely.
“There was frustration, confusion, probably a bit of fear as well around the unknown. If you don’t know what’s going on, it can create a lot of anxiety.”
Jones confirmed that “one or two players” left the meeting early, describing it as a natural reaction from individuals who “just wanted their own space”.
‘We heard it second‑hand — sometimes through my children’
Jones said the most difficult part was that the squad learned of the situation through leaks rather than internal communication.
Mark Jones, said:
“Where this has been very difficult is the leaks that have happened before our people and our family have been told what’s coming out. We’re hearing it second‑hand and sometimes through my children or my partner.”
He revealed he first heard about the speculation when his wife sent him screenshots of an article late at night.
‘Is it a betrayal? We don’t know what buying Cardiff means’
Asked whether the squad felt betrayed by Y11, Jones said it was impossible to judge without knowing the owners’ intentions — or what their Cardiff bid would mean for the Ospreys.
“It just depends what it looks like. What does buying Cardiff mean? That’s the crucial bit. Then you can decide whether it’s a betrayal or not.”
He said the only firm information given to players is that jobs are secure for the next 18 months under the current funding agreement.
Disruption hits preparations for Lions clash
Jones admitted the timing is “not helpful at all” ahead of Friday night’s match against the Lions, with the squad losing a full day of on‑field preparation.
But he praised the players’ response.
“The way the boys have come in today, the energy they’ve brought… the field session we’ve done off the back of that has been pretty good.”
‘Professional rugby in this area is massive’
Jones said he could not imagine the region without a professional side.
“I’ve lived in the area 16 or 17 years. My sons both played junior sport here. They love the Ospreys. It’s awesome to have a team like the Ospreys as a figurehead for young players.”
He added that the region “has to play a part in Welsh rugby moving forwards”.
All involved with the Ospreys are being treated disgracefully