Latest news with #OneWales'
Wales Online
19-05-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Ospreys chief hits out at WRU U-turn but commits to major move in new statement
Ospreys chief hits out at WRU U-turn but commits to major move in new statement The Ospreys CEO has issued an open letter to supporters amid a turbulent time in Welsh rugby Ospreys chief executive Lance Bradley (Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency Ltd ) Ospreys CEO Lance Bradley has addressed supporters in the wake of the Welsh Rugby Union's seismic announcement, hitting out the "disappointing" decisions taken but reaffirming the club's commitment to move to St Helen's. It comes amid a turbulent few days in Welsh rugby, with the Union having posted a bombshell statement on Sunday after WalesOnline first reported the news on Saturday night. We understand that cutting a region is one of many options on the table after the Scarlets and the Ospreys refused to sign the Professional Rugby Agreement (PRA) over fears the WRU would turn Cardiff into a super club after taking it over last month. In a heartfelt open letter, Bradley thanked fans for their loyalty and support, while voicing concerns about the WRU's recent departure from the 'One Wales' strategy — a collaborative plan developed over the past year with all four Welsh professional clubs. 'The WRU's sudden U-turn away from that strategy and their commitment to a 'four teams, equally funded' model for Welsh professional rugby was surprising and disappointing,' Bradley wrote. 'It has raised questions for all four professional clubs, and for those who back and support them.' Article continues below Despite the uncertainty surrounding the future funding landscape for Welsh regional rugby, Bradley sought to reassure fans that the Ospreys remain fully focused on building a strong and sustainable club — particularly as they prepare to relocate to St Helen's in Swansea. 'We want to reassure you, we are committed to building a sustainable, competitive and exciting future for the Ospreys,' he said. 'We're proud of who we are, what we stand for, and the role we play in Welsh rugby.' Bradley also confirmed that Swansea Council's support for the redevelopment of St Helen's remains in place. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. Article continues below While acknowledging there are still 'many questions' surrounding the WRU's new direction, Bradley promised the Ospreys would continue to fight for both their future and that of Welsh rugby more broadly. 'Our focus stays the same: building a strong, sustainable future for the club, and continuing to do our supporters proud,' he added. 'Whether you're in the stands, watching from home, wearing the jersey, or backing us in spirit, you are Ospreys. And together, we'll get through this stronger than ever.' The WRU's decision has already sparked concern across the Welsh rugby community, particularly among those backing regions who have not signed the new Professional Rugby Agreement, the Ospreys and the Scarlets.
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Ospreys and Scarlets accuse WRU of funding U-turn
Ospreys and Scarlets have accused the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) of making a U-turn after the governing body announced it will move away from a model of four evenly funded professional sides. WRU bosses say they now intend to implement a new two-tier funding system a decision which Ospreys and Scarlets say has "created more destabilising and debilitating uncertainty in our game". Ospreys and Scarlets did not sign up to Welsh rugby's new Professional Rugby Agreement (PRA) by the deadline of 8 May. The agreement was signed by Dragons and Cardiff, who were last month taken over by the WRU having served formal notification that they intended to enter administration. Last week Ospreys and Scarlets said they had asked the WRU for assurances that the takeover "will not disproportionally benefit Cardiff and disadvantage the independent clubs". After Ospreys and Scarlets had not signed, WRU have served a two-year notice on the current agreement that underpins the Welsh professional game. That current PRA runs out in 2027 although it was due to be superseded by the new five-year deal. On Sunday, the WRU released a statement saying that with those clubs not signing by the deadline set, it had therefore taken the "difficult but necessary decision to issue the formal two-year notice to terminate the current PRA agreement in order, in particular, to proceed with its debt refinancing." The governing body made the announcement amid reports it intends to cut a team from its professional tier. The WRU has neither confirmed nor denied if cutting a team is part of its plans. WRU unveil new unequal funding for regions Scarlets and Ospreys seek clarity before signing new deal WRU explains Cardiff takeover in Arms Park address The Ospreys and Scarlets have joined forces in a statement to outline their thoughts. The statement read: "We are concerned and disappointed to read the WRU outlining a sudden change in its strategy of four equally-funded professional clubs in Wales." "This U-turn has now created more destabilising and debilitating uncertainty in our game, with pertinent questions being asked by stakeholders across our clubs and within our communities regarding the future framework and landscape for professional rugby in Wales. "The very foundations both the 'One Wales' strategy and new PRA (2025) are based upon have now changed dramatically and without full consultation. "This goes back on recent commitments made to the clubs and to Welsh rugby fans. "The future framework and landscape for professional rugby in Wales matters to us all." The two Welsh regions urged the WRU to provide "more clarity and detail" on the decision. The statement continued: "We want to know the 'opportunity' that it wishes to seize and to inform us what the process will be for a new system and model for Welsh rugby and how they intend to deliver it. "We need a unifying position and coherent strategy that allows us to continue to compete and grow as professional clubs in Wales. "As professional clubs, we share the same passion, focus and hope for a better and more sustainable future for our game in Wales, which has been impacted significantly in recent years. "We are key contributors to the success of Welsh rugby and remain committed to working constructively and collaboratively with the WRU to find solutions that support the game across our country and ensure a level playing field for all."
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Ospreys and Scarlets accuse WRU of funding U-turn
Ospreys and Scarlets have accused the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) of making a U-turn after the governing body announced it will move away from a model of four evenly funded professional sides. WRU bosses say they now intend to implement a new two-tier funding system a decision which Ospreys and Scarlets say has "created more destabilising and debilitating uncertainty in our game". Ospreys and Scarlets did not sign up to Welsh rugby's new Professional Rugby Agreement (PRA) by the deadline of 8 May. The agreement was signed by Dragons and Cardiff, who were last month taken over by the WRU having served formal notification that they intended to enter administration. Last week Ospreys and Scarlets said they had asked the WRU for assurances that the takeover "will not disproportionally benefit Cardiff and disadvantage the independent clubs". After Ospreys and Scarlets had not signed, WRU have served a two-year notice on the current agreement that underpins the Welsh professional game. That current PRA runs out in 2027 although it was due to be superseded by the new five-year deal. On Sunday, the WRU released a statement saying that with those clubs not signing by the deadline set, it had therefore taken the "difficult but necessary decision to issue the formal two-year notice to terminate the current PRA agreement in order, in particular, to proceed with its debt refinancing." The governing body made the announcement amid reports it intends to cut a team from its professional tier. The WRU has neither confirmed nor denied if cutting a team is part of its plans. WRU unveil new unequal funding for regions Scarlets and Ospreys seek clarity before signing new deal WRU explains Cardiff takeover in Arms Park address The Ospreys and Scarlets have joined forces in a statement to outline their thoughts. The statement read: "We are concerned and disappointed to read the WRU outlining a sudden change in its strategy of four equally-funded professional clubs in Wales." "This U-turn has now created more destabilising and debilitating uncertainty in our game, with pertinent questions being asked by stakeholders across our clubs and within our communities regarding the future framework and landscape for professional rugby in Wales. "The very foundations both the 'One Wales' strategy and new PRA (2025) are based upon have now changed dramatically and without full consultation. "This goes back on recent commitments made to the clubs and to Welsh rugby fans. "The future framework and landscape for professional rugby in Wales matters to us all." The two Welsh regions urged the WRU to provide "more clarity and detail" on the decision. The statement continued: "We want to know the 'opportunity' that it wishes to seize and to inform us what the process will be for a new system and model for Welsh rugby and how they intend to deliver it. "We need a unifying position and coherent strategy that allows us to continue to compete and grow as professional clubs in Wales. "As professional clubs, we share the same passion, focus and hope for a better and more sustainable future for our game in Wales, which has been impacted significantly in recent years. "We are key contributors to the success of Welsh rugby and remain committed to working constructively and collaboratively with the WRU to find solutions that support the game across our country and ensure a level playing field for all."
Wales Online
18-05-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Ospreys and Scarlets publicly accuse WRU of destabilising Welsh rugby after shock U-turn
Ospreys and Scarlets publicly accuse WRU of destabilising Welsh rugby after shock U-turn The Ospreys and Scarlets have responded to the Welsh Rugby Union's statement The Scarlets and Ospreys have issued a statement (Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency Ltd ) The Ospreys and Scarlets say they are "concerned and disappointed" over the Welsh Rugby Union's announcement there will no longer be four equally-funded professional clubs in Wales, with the two West Wales sides slamming the Union's U-turn for creating more "destabilising and debilitating uncertainty" in the Welsh game. WalesOnline revealed on Saturday night that the WRU has informed the four clubs that the number of teams in Wales needs to reduce to three following the failure of all four teams to agree to its proposed new Professional Rugby Agreement (PRA). You can read the story here. Then, on Sunday morning, the WRU confirmed in a statement, which you can read here, that they had triggered the two-year notice period on the current set-up and said the future landscape will not see four evenly funded teams. That marked a complete change from the Union's previous public stance, with CEO Abi Tierney and chair Richard Collier-Keywood having been insistent since taking up their roles that four was the number of teams they wanted to move forward with on an equal funding model. The seismic development comes after the Ospreys and Scarlets refused to sign the new agreement following the Union's takeover of Cardiff - with the Dragons having joined the capital club in signing the new PRA. The reason the Ospreys and Scarlets have chosen not to do so is over fears that the WRU's takeover of Cardiff would lead to inequality under the new agreement, with those concerns having not been suitably allayed. Article continues below After both clubs' supporters groups insisted they would not be cowed on Sunday, the two rivals have now joined forces with their own robust statement - once again reiterating their calls for more clarity. "The Ospreys and Scarlets are concerned and disappointed to read the WRU's statement today (18 May 2025) outlining a sudden change in its strategy of four equally-funded professional clubs in Wales. "This U-turn has now created more destabilising and debilitating uncertainty in our game, with pertinent questions being asked by stakeholders across our clubs and within our communities regarding the future framework and landscape for professional rugby in Wales. "The very foundations that both the 'One Wales' strategy and new PRA (2025) are based upon have now changed dramatically and without full consultation. This goes back on recent commitments made to the clubs and to Welsh rugby fans. "The future framework and landscape for professional rugby in Wales matters to us all. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. "We would urge the WRU to provide more clarity and detail on the decision, the 'opportunity' that it wishes to seize and to inform us what the process will be for a new system and model for Welsh Rugby and how they intend to deliver it. "We need a unifying position and coherent strategy that allows us to continue to compete and grow as professional clubs in Wales. "As professional clubs, we share the same passion, focus and hope for a better and more sustainable future for our game in Wales, which has been impacted significantly in recent years. "We thank all those connected with our two clubs including players and staff, supporters, partners, sponsors and our wider rugby communities for their continued support and patience while we seek to find a sustainable and equitable solution for the future. "We are key contributors to the success of Welsh rugby and we remain committed to working constructively and collaboratively with the WRU to find solutions that support the game across our country and ensure a level playing field for all." Wales' governing body has activated the two-year notice on the old PRA because it is desperate to refinance its debt. NatWest view the old agreement as too much of a risk to refinance the debt as any increase in the WRU's profit has to go to the four professional clubs. Article continues below In their statement on Sunday, the WRU said it had not taken the decision lightly and recognised the game is now entering a period of huge uncertainty.
Wales Online
18-05-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Tonight's rugby news as WRU warned 'we will not be cowed' and Super Rygbi Cymru champions crowned
Tonight's rugby news as WRU warned 'we will not be cowed' and Super Rygbi Cymru champions crowned The latest rugby news from Wales and beyond The official Scarlets Supporters Trust have issued a statement (Image: 2025 Huw Fairclough ) Here's your round-up of all the latest rugby news for Sunday, May 18. Scarlets Supporters Trust hits out at WRU decision The Scarlets' official Supporters Trust has slammed the Welsh Rugby Union for its "lack of understanding for the sport it represents" following the decision to put in motion huge changes that are set to see the number of professional teams cut to three. The WRU has triggered a two-year notice period on the current Professional Rugby Agreement, having officially confirmed a move away from four evenly funded teams in a statement. WalesOnline understands the Union has informed all four clubs they believe the number of teams must reduce to three. It all comes on the back of a refusal by the Ospreys and Scarlets to sign the WRU's proposed new PRA. One possible option could now be the merging of two teams if a deal can be struck over the coming weeks and months. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. The WRU's recent takeover of Cardiff sparked huge concerns from the Ospreys and Scarlets, resulting in the failure to sign up to the deal that was at the centre of the governing body's five-year strategy. Now, Scarlets fan group Crys 16 have issued a strong statement, saying: "Despite the 'One Wales' strategy setting out the intention for four equitably funded professional clubs, and a positive, collaborative relationship, it has become clear in recent weeks that the WRU wishes to proceed in a very different direction. Article continues below "As a representative body for the supporters of the Scarlets, we want to continue to see our club stand independently with a financial model that rewards our consistent development of players for the national team. "As a proud and strong club with over 150 years of heritage, backed by the West Walian community, we will not be cowed by a governing body that continues to show its lack of understanding for the sport it represents and we will not accept any solution which damages us. "In particular, this should not come about because of the financial issues of Cardiff Rugby, which has led to this significant uncertainty. "The WRU should not prioritise the interests of one club at the expense of the others, particularly when the financial issues at Cardiff have proven to be the main impediment to agreeing this deal. "The WRU must work with the club to seek a fair and equitable deal as soon as possible. This should be done through constructive negotiation, rather than media driven pressure." Dragons confirm PRA deal Meanwhile, the Dragons have confirmed they have agreed to sign the WRU's proposed PRA deal, which the club says will help to secure its long-term future. In a statement, the club said: "Following the recent statement from the Welsh Rugby Union, Dragons RFC are delighted to have signed a five-year deal under the new Professional Rugby Agreement (PRA25) which provides the club with three-years of agreed fixed funding. "We did so to demonstrate our commitment to provide stability and security to Dragons RFC as we continue to develop on and off the field. "As demonstrated by signing the agreement, our owners are committed to the long-term future of professional rugby and the financial stability of Dragons RFC." Newport edge to glory in Super Rygbi final Newport ran in three tries to claim a 27-18 win over Ebbw Vale in the Super Rygbi Cymru Trophy final on Sunday afternoon. Dafydd Buckland's try just after half an hour got the Black and Ambers up and running after Vale's Evan Lloyd and Newport's Jac Lloyd had previously traded early penalties. The latter then followed up his success from the tee by going over for a converted score to extend Newport's lead on the stroke of half-time, before Evan Bowden cut the lead back down to five with Ebbw Vale's first try of the afternoon just after the break. A brilliant individual touchdown from Carwyn Penny put Newport back in control, but back came the Steelmen, who bagged another try just before the hour through Curtis Gregory. However, Newport held on, with Jac Lloyd adding another three points 10 points from time as his side eased their way to victory. Graham hits back at Lions snub in style Darcy Graham delivered a superb response to being left out of the British & Irish Lions tour of Australia by running in a superb hat-trick to help Edinburgh book a URC play-off spot by claiming a 47-17 bonus point win over Ulster. Commenting on Graham's omission from the trip Down Under, coach Sean Everett said after the game: 'Selections are tough, especially the Lions tour when it only comes around once every four years. 'Darcy has been in good form for Edinburgh and he was in good form for Scotland as well. 'I know he didn't play all the Six Nations games, but every time he puts on a rugby jersey he tends to turn something out of nothing. Article continues below 'He's a real magician out there with his footwork and the work rate that he does. So it is disappointing for him, but he is still young enough to make the next one. 'You've just got to keep on fighting because the nature of the sport is there could be injuries and he's the next one in.'
