Ospreys issue statement following WRU announcement on sale of Cardiff

Thursday, 22 January 2026 at 15:23

byHarry Tovey

The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has confirmed Ospreys' owners Y11 Sport & Media are the ones that have been chosen as the preferred option to buy Cardiff Rugby.

The WRU have stated that the agreement will see Y11 own both Ospreys and Cardiff simultaneously but as separate entities. There is, however, no certainty on the Ospreys' future as a professional region after the 2026-27 season.

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Ospreys' chief executive, Lance Bradley, had apologised for the lack of communication due to the confidentiality of talks between Y11 and the WRU throughout the week.

In a statement released on Thursday afternoon, Bradley said: "Firstly, I want to apologise to you all about not being able to communicate with you earlier, following the leaked news this week that Y11 have been selected by the WRU as their preferred bidder for Cardiff Rugby.

"The discussions between Y11 and the WRU are commercially confidential, so could not be discussed until certain agreements were in place. I hope you can understand that.

"I recognise, however, that this has resulted in a few days of increased uncertainty, and that this has left many of you wondering what’s happening with your club. I’m now sharing with you as much information as I can about the situation.

"The WRU has today confirmed its intention to sell Cardiff Rugby to Y11. Being announced as the preferred bidder means that both parties now enter into an exclusivity period to finalise the transaction. Whether a deal is concluded or not, however, Y11 will continue to own and operate Ospreys.

"If a deal for Cardiff is finalised, this would see Y11 owning and operating both Ospreys and Cardiff, with both regions continuing to play as separate teams.

"Crucially, I want to make clear that the Ospreys will continue to play in the URC and EPCR competitions until at least the end of the 26/27 season.

"Here at Ospreys, we are fully focused on the remainder of this season, and we’re making the usual preparations for next season.

"In the event that Y11 conclude a deal for Cardiff Rugby, I will give you a full update on what the overall plan will be. The exclusivity period is no more than 60 days, after which the transaction will be confirmed and the final details communicated to you.

"I am in constant communication with our owners. Insofar as we can control it, I can assure you that updates about any longer-term plans for Ospreys Rugby will first be heard by Ospreys players, staff and their families.

"In the meantime, I would ask that you fully get behind our boys, starting with this weekend’s game against Lions. Your support has always made a big difference, and now more than ever, we’d really appreciate it,"