The Welsh Affairs Committee announced it will question WRU Chief Executive Abi Tierney and Chair Richard Collier‑Keywood in Parliament tomorrow, examining the proposal to cut the number of professional teams from four to three. Supporters’ groups from all four regions — including the Ospreys Supporters Club — will give evidence in a second panel.
It comes after our earlier reporting that Ospreys owners Y11 are believed to be the WRU’s preferred bidder for Cardiff Rugby, raising fears that the Ospreys could be wound up or relocated. Swansea Council has already confirmed it is examining legal options.
Current Ospreys players: “We have been left in the dark”
Ospreys hooker Sam Parry, speaking on behalf of the current squad, said players had received “no information” from either the WRU or Y11.
“We struggle to believe the most successful Welsh team to exist with the biggest history is on the brink of non‑existence,” he said.
Parry said the squad would continue to play for supporters:
“We will continue to play for the fans and for the people who have stood by the Ospreys over the years.”
Former Ospreys flanker Sam Cross: “No one has the courage to be honest”
Former Ospreys and Wales forward Sam Cross said players and staff were once again learning about their futures through media leaks rather than their employers.
“Knowing what it’s like to find out about your future via Wales Online, while being kept in the dark by the suits running the club,” he said, “once again, no one has the courage to stand up and be honest about what’s really going on.”
Cross accused Y11 of “cowardly leadership from day one”, adding:
“The real problem with Welsh rugby is people clinging to jobs, hiding in the shadows, and turning a blind eye just to stay on the gravy train.”
Supporters: “Not one ounce of empathy”
The Ospreys Supporters Club said the situation was “hugely concerning” and accused the WRU of showing “not one ounce of empathy for those affected.”
They criticised the lack of transparency from both the WRU and Y11 over the preferred bidder process.
“At this time we call on Y11 to address these concerns directly and without delay,” they said. “After a prolonged period of uncertainty culminating in this leaked news, the least our supporters deserve is a full explanation.”
Jonathan Davies CBE: “Wales need to keep four regions”
Wales legend Jonathan Davies CBE warned that cutting a region would damage the pathway for young players.
“Wales need to keep four regions whatever happens to bring the younger players through,” he said. “If we don’t get this right we could well end up in tier 2 for a long time.”
Davies said the Swansea Bay area — from Bridgend to Maesteg, Aberavon, Neath and Swansea — must not be left without a professional side.
“Can’t have no regional rugby in an area which has produced so many great players,” he said. “We need to embrace everyone.”
Carolyn Harris MP: “Clarity is essential”
Swansea East MP Carolyn Harris said her support for the Ospreys’ proposed move to St Helen’s “has not changed”, but urged the WRU and Y11 to end the uncertainty.
“At a time of growing uncertainty about the future of regional rugby, clarity is essential,” she said. “Supporters, players and communities deserve reassurance.”
She warned that prolonged uncertainty “undermines confidence in the game and risks pushing talent away from Wales.”
MPs to grill WRU chiefs as crisis reaches Westminster
The Welsh Affairs Committee says it will press the WRU’s leadership on every aspect of the proposed restructuring when they appear before MPs. The session will examine how cutting a professional team would affect the sport across Wales, whether the WRU’s plans genuinely support its long‑term objectives, and what the loss of a region would mean for supporters and communities who rely on elite rugby as part of their identity.
MPs are also expected to probe how changes at the top of the game could ripple down into community and grassroots rugby, including the WRU’s efforts to grow participation among women and girls. After questioning WRU Chief Executive Abi Tierney and Chair Richard Collier‑Keywood, the Committee will turn to supporters’ groups from Cardiff Rugby, Dragons RFC, Ospreys and Scarlets to hear directly how the proposals might reshape the regional system they represent.
The WRU first set out its restructuring plans in October 2025, including directly contracting players and coaches and creating a national academy to centralise the development of young talent. The governing body insists the reforms are designed to stabilise finances and improve performance, but the backlash now stretching from players to Parliament shows how fiercely contested the future of Welsh rugby has become.
