The move comes amid growing fears that the Ospreys could be cut from the top tier after the Welsh Rugby Union named Y11 Sport & Media — the club’s current owners — as the preferred buyer for rivals Cardiff.
The WRU wants to reduce the number of men’s professional teams in Wales from four to three. But former players say the proposals risk triggering a “downward spiral” and threaten the future of rugby across Swansea, Neath Port Talbot and Bridgend.
In a statement signed by dozens of ex‑players, coaches and staff, the group praised current head coach Mark Jones and his squad for their “absolute commitment” despite the uncertainty — and warned that cutting a team “comes with no guarantee of success”.
“You don’t quit because you didn’t win,” the statement said. “You work harder, adapt, change and rebuild.”
The group includes Ryan Jones, James Hook, Barry Williams, Ian Gough, Richard Hibbard, Paul James, Tommy Bowe and former coach Sean Holley. They say the time is right to speak up — and they’re willing to meet the WRU to help shape a “positive future” for the sport.
They argue that Welsh rugby’s golden era — including six Six Nations titles and four Grand Slams — was built on four strong teams, and that removing one now would be a mistake.
“What the game needs is confidence, consistency and collaboration,” they said. “Not constant shifts in direction, where four teams, then two, then three are all presented as the ‘optimal’ solution within a single year.”
The statement also backs Swansea Council Leader Rob Stewart’s call to halt the process, warning that the redevelopment of St Helen’s is at risk and that support for the WRU’s proposals is “lacking across the wider Welsh rugby community”.
The group drew comparisons with Connacht, the Irish region once earmarked for closure in 2003. After public opposition forced a rethink, Connacht went on to win the league and recently celebrated the opening of a redeveloped stadium in Galway.
“It is not too late for the WRU to do the same,” the statement said. “Restoring Welsh rugby will take partnership, not imposition.”
The Ospreys are currently eighth in the United Rugby Championship and preparing to face Ulster in the last 16 of the Challenge Cup.
