The first rugby match at St Helen's Stadium since a multi-million-pound redevelopment was overshadowed by a serious injury to a Swansea player in the second half, bringing the game to a standstill for 15 minutes.
Swansea RFC hosted Ebbw Vale at the iconic venue, which reopened for its first fixture since the initial stage of the redevelopment project. The players became the first to use the new 4G pitch at the world-renowned ground.
Match halted after serious injury
Swansea ultimately fell to a narrow 27-26 defeat late on, but the overwhelming sentiment was one of anxiety for Whites winger Iwan Glynn, who suffered a horrific leg injury while attempting to touch down in the corner. Medical staff from both sides rushed to attend to the stricken player as a hushed crowd looked on with deep concern.
Glynn was taken to hospital, with the club subsequently confirming he was "up and alert" following what it described as a "major injury".
Swansea's lead slips away
Swansea had led 21-5 and 26-10 at various points throughout the match, but The Steelmen showed tremendous resilience after their heavy home defeat to Cardiff, securing their fourth victory from five outings.
The first stage of the multi-million-pound development, backed by Swansea Council and the Ospreys, has delivered a cutting-edge 4G pitch, with new stands and a clubhouse refurbishment also in the pipeline.
Stadium redevelopment plans
Construction work at the stadium is set to continue for some considerable time, with various sections opening in phases. Key elements of the proposals include a new South Stand and a revamped West Stand and terrace. A dedicated fan zone, together with extensive hospitality facilities, is also set to be constructed.
The Ospreys had originally intended to compete there throughout the 2025/26 season, though this ultimately failed to come to fruition, with the region opting to spend a campaign in Bridgend instead. The region's opening fixture at the renovated St Helen's is scheduled to be the United Rugby Championship (URC) Welsh derby against Dragons on Saturday, 24 October.
St Helen's has staged rugby and cricket internationals throughout its history and is the venue where Swansea rugby club secured famous victories over touring Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand sides. The newly-formed Ospreys competed there for several seasons before relocating to the Liberty Stadium, Landore, in 2005.
