The Ospreys have publicly laid out their plan in the region's direct fight for survival against the Scarlets. In a lengthy and defiant public statement, the Swansea-based region hit out at the Welsh Rugby Union's decision to axe a team in west Wales but said they are ready to prove why they should be the side that remains.
Direct Competition for West Wales Licence
The Scarlets have already stated their own case for continuing to represent west Wales in the long term, with the two sides pitted against each other by the WRU's decision to give the Dragons and Cardiff first refusal on two of the three available licences. Neither west Wales team currently has any interest in discussing a potential merger.
A statement from the Ospreys board read: “Welsh rugby needs reform and change, the Ospreys have never disputed that. What we dispute is the destination. “The WRU's proposed move to three professional men's teams would leave west Wales, one of the most passionate rugby regions in the game, represented by a single side. The Ospreys do not accept that outcome as inevitable, or as the right one. Four sustainable professional clubs, built on the communities, pathways and history they represent, remain the stronger foundation for the Welsh game, and the Ospreys will keep making that case.
“The Ospreys and Scarlets are, for now, in direct competition for the west Wales regional licence. We're not going to pretend otherwise. Our answer to that competition is straightforward: invest, build, compete, win. St Helen's, our squad, our commercial growth and, ultimately, our results will make the case for us. “This is the beginning of a new chapter for the Ospreys.”
St Helen's Development and Squad Recruitment
The public moves come as the Ospreys updated supporters on the progress of the multi-million pound St Helen's stadium development and plans for the future. They also trumpeted their summer recruitment, which is set to be added to by the arrival of Wallabies legend Marika Koroibete in the coming weeks.
Former Wallabies captain Liam Wright has already signed from Queensland Reds, while fellow Australia international Lalakai Foketi adds considerable experience in the centre. They are joined by versatile Australian back Lawson Creighton from the NSW Waratahs and Welsh back Dan John, who returns to Wales from Exeter Chiefs.
Club Leadership on Momentum and Future
Ospreys Director, Roger Blyth, said: “There is real momentum around the club. St Helen's is taking shape, supporters have backed us in significant numbers, we have strengthened the playing squad and there is growing confidence across the business. "The last year has tested everyone connected with the Ospreys, but the response from our supporters, players, staff and partners has been exceptional and galvanised the organisation, establishing stronger foundations for our future.
Following one of the most challenging periods in the club's history, both on and off the field, the commitment shown by supporters, players, staff, sponsors, partners and the wider community has helped the Ospreys move forward and establish stronger foundations for the future. “There is still a great deal of work ahead, but we are excited about where the Ospreys are going and determined to build a successful and sustainable future.”
Head coach Mark Jones said: "We are extremely positive about the direction of the rugby programme. The players and coaches showed tremendous resilience last season, and we believe the additions we have made to the squad give us a really strong platform to build from. There is a good balance within the group between experience and exciting young talent, and our focus now is on making sure we get the best out of that. "We want to compete, we want to keep developing players and we want to give our supporters a team that represents this region with pride."
