Ospreys to bring cutting‑edge 5G technology to redeveloped St Helen’s

The technology, due to be fully operational by July 2026, will make St Helen’s one of the most advanced connected rugby stadiums in the UK, supporting both matchday experiences and player performance.

Stadium upgrade with digital innovation at its core

As part of the redevelopment, St Helen’s will be upgraded to an 8,000‑capacity venue. The addition of Vodafone’s 5G MPN will allow the stadium to act as a live test bed for new devices and technologies in a high‑performance sports environment.

Unlike public mobile networks, a private 5G system offers ultra‑fast speeds, low latency and secure connectivity. That means fans could benefit from immersive experiences such as augmented reality replays, real‑time player stats, and seamless ticketing and payments. Coaches and analysts will also be able to use live data from wearables and sensors to inform training and injury prevention.

A vision for Swansea sport

Ospreys chief executive Lance Bradley said the partnership was about blending history with innovation:

“Our vision for St Helen’s is to create a home for the club that connects supporters more closely with the team, enhances player performance through technology, and acts as a hub for digital innovation in the region.”

He added that the collaboration would ensure St Helen’s becomes “one of the most advanced connected stadiums in Europe.”

Vodafone Business UK CEO Nick Gliddon said the project would showcase how 5G can transform sport:

“This initiative goes far beyond simple connectivity – it is about opening up fresh opportunities for enhanced performance, streamlined operations, and deeper fan engagement.”

Building on a track record

Vodafone has already delivered similar projects at Leicester Tigers’ Welford Road Stadium, as well as boosting connectivity at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Wimbledon Tennis Club.

For the Ospreys, the move to St Helen’s marks a significant milestone after announcing plans last year to relocate from the Swansea.com Stadium. The club hopes the redeveloped ground will become a digitally enabled, future‑ready home that cements Swansea’s place at the forefront of sporting innovation.

#5g #mobilePrivateNetwork #ospreys #stHelensStadium #swansea #technology #vodafone

Scarlets and Ospreys dominate Wales squad for South Africa finale amid regional rugby uncertainty

The Principality Stadium fixture (kick‑off 3.10pm, live on TNT Sports, discovery+ and S4C) is Wales’ final Quilter Nations Series match of 2025. Tandy said the group was “excited” to build on recent performances despite being restricted to Wales‑based players because the game falls outside World Rugby’s international window.

Reinforcements after player exodus

Thirteen players have returned to their clubs in England and France this week, including Adam Beard, Rhys Carre, Tomos Williams and Louis Rees‑Zammit. Their departure left gaps across the squad, particularly in the back three, where Josh Adams is also suspended following his red card against Japan.

In response, Tandy has called up Ospreys forwards James Ratti and uncapped prop Garyn Phillips, Scarlets wing Ellis Mee and Cardiff hooker Evan Lloyd. Mee, 22, made his Test debut in the Six Nations against Ireland and is regarded as strong in the air and dangerous in broken play. Ratti brings versatility in the lock and back row, while Phillips, who toured Japan last summer, is rewarded with his first senior call‑up. Lloyd replaces Cardiff teammate Liam Belcher, who is sidelined with a neck injury.

Scarlets and Ospreys at the core

Scarlets and Ospreys dominate the selection, with 18 of the 30 players drawn from west Wales. The Ospreys provide 12 names, including captain Dewi Lake, Gareth Thomas, Rhys Davies, Morgan Morse and Kieran Hardy. The Scarlets contribute six, among them Taine Plumtree, Joe Hawkins, Joe Roberts, Blair Murray, Tom Rogers and Ellis Mee.

Their prominence underlines the strength of the two clubs in supplying talent to the national side, even as both face uncertainty under the WRU’s proposed regional rugby restructuring. Civic leaders and supporters have warned that the changes risk destabilising west Wales rugby, despite its players continuing to form the backbone of the national squad.

Fresh faces and uncapped talent

The revised squad also features several uncapped players. Ospreys trio Garyn Phillips, James Fender and Ben Warren are joined by Cardiff prop Danny Southworth in seeking their first senior appearances. Their inclusion reflects the WRU’s commitment to blooding new talent alongside established internationals, with the autumn finale offering a chance to test depth against the world champions.

Springboks reshuffle too

South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus has also been forced into changes, with 15 players returning to clubs in Japan and South Africa ahead of a full round of United Rugby Championship fixtures. “We are going to lose quite a few players,” Erasmus admitted, adding that the Springboks would train with only 25 players this week. Despite the absences, he stressed the importance of the clash with Wales for world ranking points, describing it as “another massive Test match” to close the year.

Full Wales squad

Forwards: Gareth Thomas (Ospreys), Danny Southworth (Cardiff), Garyn Phillips (Ospreys), Dewi Lake (Ospreys, capt), Evan Lloyd (Cardiff), Brodie Coghlan (Dragons), Keiron Assiratti (Cardiff), Christian Coleman (Dragons), Ben Warren (Ospreys), Ben Carter (Dragons), Rhys Davies (Ospreys), James Fender (Ospreys), James Ratti (Ospreys), Taine Plumtree (Scarlets), Alex Mann (Cardiff), Aaron Wainwright (Dragons), Morgan Morse (Ospreys), Harri Deaves (Ospreys).

Backs: Kieran Hardy (Ospreys), Reuben Morgan‑Williams (Ospreys), Dan Edwards (Ospreys), Callum Sheedy (Cardiff), Joe Hawkins (Scarlets), Ben Thomas (Cardiff), Joe Roberts (Scarlets), Jacob Beetham (Cardiff), Rio Dyer (Dragons), Blair Murray (Scarlets), Tom Rogers (Scarlets), Ellis Mee (Scarlets).

Match details

• Wales v South Africa
• Quilter Nations Series 2025
• Principality Stadium, Cardiff
• Saturday 29 November, 3.10pm
• Live coverage: TNT Sports, discovery+ and S4C; commentary on BBC Sounds, BBC Radio Wales and BBC Radio Cymru

#blairMurray #dewiLake #ellisMee #evanLloyd #garethThomas #garynPhillips #jamesRatti #joeHawkins #joeRoberts #kieranHardy #morganMorse #ospreys #quilterNationsSeries #quilterNationsSeries2025 #rassieErasmus #rhysDavies #rugby #scarlets #southAfrica #tainePlumtree #tomRogers #walesRugby

Ospreys to run Swansea University men’s rugby programme in new partnership

The move is being described as a major step forward for university sport in Wales, with the programme set to be developed to elite academy standards. Dedicated Ospreys staff will oversee the set‑up, with input from both academy and senior squad coaches during the season.

Pathway for young talent

The partnership is designed to make Swansea University an attractive destination for students from across the UK and beyond who want to combine higher education with opportunities to progress into the professional game. For Welsh youngsters, it offers a way to stay in Wales while benefiting from elite‑level rugby development.

Ospreys Chief Executive Officer Lance Bradley said the collaboration builds on years of work between the two organisations:

“We are firm believers in the value of investing in the player pathway, and this is further demonstration of our commitment to that.

It enables us to both retain and attract talented young players to Swansea University, and for the Ospreys to have significant input to their rugby development.”

Bradley added that students will compete in the British Universities and Colleges Sports (BUCS) league, with the potential to progress into Super Rygbi Cymru. The most talented players could also join the Ospreys academy, as was the case with Max Nagy, now a first‑team regular.

St Helen’s facilities

The Ospreys’ upcoming move to their new ground at St Helen’s will give Swansea University students access to the redeveloped facilities, part of Swansea Council’s wider Swansea Bay Sports Park project.

University perspective

Professor Keith Lloyd, Director of Swansea University’s National Institute for Sport & Health (NISH), said the partnership reflects the University’s commitment to combining academic excellence with elite performance support:

“By bringing the expertise and professionalism of Ospreys Rugby into our University rugby programme, we’re creating an environment that helps athletes reach their full potential both on and off the field.

We’re incredibly proud to be part of an initiative that strengthens Welsh rugby and enhances opportunities for our students.”

Looking ahead

The Ospreys say they hope to introduce a similar programme for women’s rugby at Swansea University once the national plan for the women’s game in Wales is finalised.

#britishUniversitiesAndCollegesSportsLeague #eliteRugby #lanceBradley #nationalInstituteForSportHealth #ospreys #rugby #stHelensStadium #superRygbiCymru #swanseaBaySportsPark #swanseaUniversity

WRU outlines next steps in elite rugby restructure amid backlash

WRU Director of Rugby and Elite Performance, Dave Reddin, said the transition will be collaborative, fair and focused on the long‑term strength of Welsh rugby.

Consultation marks “start of the next phase”

The WRU began consultation in August, engaging widely with clubs, players and stakeholders. Reddin said the announcement of the board’s decision was a milestone, but stressed that the detailed work now begins.

“We have already met with each of the four professional sides in a structured way and will be working through the detail with them all,” he explained. “We’ll look together at everything from financial stability and governance to player development, community connection, facilities and demographics.”

Difficult decisions ahead

Reddin acknowledged that deciding which three teams will continue in the new model will be challenging. “Every team carries its own heritage supported by a passionate community, and that deserves full respect,” he said. “But we have to balance this with the shared goal of building something sustainable, competitive and fit for future success on and off the field.”

The WRU will also continue discussions with the United Rugby Championship (URC) to ensure the new structure works for the competition, and will meet with the Welsh Rugby Players Association (WRPA) to keep players at the heart of planning.

Backlash across Wales

The proposals have sparked fierce opposition across South and West Wales, with community leaders, politicians and fans voicing anger at the potential loss of historic clubs. In Llanelli, councillors branded the WRU’s plan “a back of a fag packet proposal” and warned it would devastate the Scarlets’ future. The town’s mayor joined thousands of supporters in a “Save Our Scarlets” march, accusing the WRU of ignoring Llanelli’s rugby heritage.

In Swansea, civic leaders slammed the three‑club plan as “not fit for purpose,” warning it would undermine the Ospreys and damage the city’s rugby identity. Meanwhile, MPs have criticised the WRU, describing the move as a “U‑turn” and accusing the union of “bully boy tactics.” This backlash has highlighted the depth of feeling in communities where rugby is seen as central to local identity, and has raised questions about whether consensus can be reached.

No deadline set

WRU Chair Richard Collier‑Keywood has confirmed there is no fixed deadline for the process. “We’re not setting an arbitrary deadline,” Reddin said. “Everyone wants certainty, but rushing could risk getting it wrong. We are hopeful of reaching a consensus as quickly as possible. If that is not possible, we will move to an open, fair and transparent competitive tender for the three future licences – one in the capital, one in the East and one in the West of Wales.”

Commitment to clubs and players

Reddin stressed that Wales will continue to field four professional sides during the transition period. “Our commitment to the URC remains absolute. We also have commitments to the current agreements in place with the four professional clubs and to honouring the contracts of players,” he said.

£28m investment in Welsh rugby

Alongside the restructure, the WRU is preparing detailed plans for investment in five key areas: men’s player development, the women’s elite programme, a national talent insights and management scheme, coaching investment, and the new Super Rygbi Cymru competition. The WRU has pledged £28m over five years to support these pillars, which Reddin said will bring “hugely positive change to the game.”

The WRU say that more detail is set to be published in the coming weeks.

#daveReddin #ospreys #richardCollierE28091keywood #rugby #scarlets #superRygbiCymru #unitedRugbyChampionship #urc #walesRugby #walesRugbyRegions #welshRugbyPlayersAssociation #welshRugbyUnion #wrpa #wru

Swansea councillors vow to fight for Ospreys as WRU cuts loom

At Swansea Council’s full council meeting on 6 November 2025, members from across the chamber united in opposition to the WRU’s restructuring, warning it risks the future of the Ospreys and undermines rugby in the west.

WRU’s three‑club plan

The WRU has confirmed it intends to reduce the number of professional teams in Wales from four to three, citing financial pressures and the need to concentrate resources. The plan would leave only three regions competing at the top level, with the Ospreys and Scarlets both facing uncertainty over their future. Critics have branded the move “short‑sighted” and “not fit for purpose,” warning it would weaken the game in West Wales and damage pathways for young players.

“The only true region”

Deputy Leader David Hopkins (Labour, Townhill) told councillors the Ospreys are “the only true region” and their contribution to communities and the wider game is “invaluable.” He said the council is already working closely with the club to secure its future.

Opposition leader Chris Holley OBE (Liberal Democrats, Cwmbwrla) agreed, warning that reducing to three regions would be “a backward step” and “doesn’t help us in this region.”

Council leader calls plan “flawed”

Council Leader Rob Stewart (Labour, Morriston) branded the WRU’s plan “flawed in every respect,” stressing the Ospreys are Wales’ most successful region. “We will continue to bat as hard as we can for them to remain,” he said, confirming ongoing dialogue with the union.

St Helen’s redevelopment plans

The debate also touched on the Ospreys’ future home. Cllr Peter May (Uplands Party, Uplands) noted the club had been planning a move to St Helen’s in his ward, describing it as “an exciting time” for the area.

Planning approval for the redevelopment of St Helen’s was granted earlier this year, with proposals including new facilities and improvements to the historic ground. At the time, Rob Stewart welcomed the decision, saying it would “secure the Ospreys’ long‑term future in Swansea and provide a boost for rugby and the city.”

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Swansea leaders slam WRU’s three‑club plan as “not fit for purpose”

“Rugby deserves respect”

In a strongly worded response to the WRU’s press conference, the pair said the union had “fallen well short” of showing respect to communities outside Cardiff.

Their statement read:

“Rugby is central to our communities, from the professional game right down to the grassroots. It deserves respect from those responsible for overseeing it. The Welsh Rugby Union has fallen well short of showing that respect today.

Respect would mean understanding that rugby matters west of Cardiff, not least in Swansea. Respect would mean ending the uncertainty facing clubs, fans and players – not setting up years more of it as they have done today.

The WRU’s plans are not fit for purpose, and if any members of the WRU board don’t understand that, then neither are they.”

Scarlets and Ospreys at risk

The WRU has confirmed its new model will see just three professional men’s clubs: one in the east, one in the capital, and one in the west. That secures the Dragons and a Cardiff‑based side, but leaves the Scarlets and Ospreys in direct competition for the single West Wales licence.

WRU chair Richard Collier‑Keywood has denied the union is “putting two teams against each other”, but admitted a merger would be the “ideal solution”.

Both the Ospreys and Scarlets have since issued statements defending their records and stressing their importance to West Wales rugby.

Political pressure grows

The intervention from Bell and Stewart adds political weight to the backlash already building in West Wales. Their comments underline the wider concern that the WRU’s restructuring risks alienating communities beyond Cardiff and undermining the heritage of professional rugby in Swansea and Llanelli.

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Scarlets and Ospreys face fight for survival as WRU confirms three‑club model

One in the east, one in the capital, one in the west

The WRU Board has confirmed its new structure will see three professional men’s clubs: one in east Wales, one in Cardiff, and one in the west. That secures the Dragons’ future in Newport and guarantees a capital‑based side, but leaves the Scarlets and Ospreys in direct competition for the single West Wales licence.

Collier‑Keywood told reporters: “That’s not what we’re saying at all. There will only be one club in the west, but the clubs can apply. One of them may make a bid for Cardiff, or merge. We’d rather this be done by consent.”

‘Wales’ most successful region’ will continue to engage with WRU say Ospreys

The Ospreys, Wales’ most decorated region, issued a statement following meetings with the WRU:

“Ospreys Rugby met with Malcolm Wall and Dave Reddin from the WRU this morning, where they laid out their plans for Welsh rugby.

Ospreys are Wales’ most successful region, having won more league titles, produced players who’ve won more Welsh caps and been selected for more British and Irish Lions tours than any other region.

We will continue to engage with the WRU with the intention of reaching an agreement which continues that proud tradition. Our intention is and always has been to find a solution which works in the best interests of Welsh rugby and Ospreys Rugby, not only at an elite level but across the entirety of the game and the communities involved in it.”

Scarlets confident of future role in West Wales

The Scarlets Board of Directors said they are confident the club will continue to play a central role in the future of the game in West Wales from its home at Parc y Scarlets.

In a detailed statement, the board called on supporters and stakeholders to embrace the long‑term opportunity of Scarlets “championing the future of sustainable and successful pro rugby based in West Wales.”

The club highlighted its record of two league titles, 12 European quarter‑finals and five European semi‑finals, its role in producing 34% of Wales internationals over the last decade, and its deep cultural and economic impact — adding £17m annually to the local economy and engaging more than 40,000 young people each year through its community foundation.

Scarlets also stressed the unique facilities at Parc y Scarlets, describing it as a “ready‑made high‑performance and commercial hub” for the professional and community game.

The board concluded: “Rugby must stay connected to its communities, people and history and its values. That’s what gives our game its soul. We want reform that strengthens Welsh rugby. With Scarlets in the future structure, Welsh rugby keeps a proven talent pathway, an internationally respected brand and a first‑class home for rugby at Parc y Scarlets.”

Cardiff reassured, Dragons secure

Cardiff Rugby said it was “relieved and encouraged” after being assured one of the three licences will be in the capital. The Dragons are also seen as secure under the east allocation.

What happens next

The WRU has pledged to honour existing Professional Rugby Agreement contracts — with the Scarlets and Ospreys tied in until 2027, and Cardiff and Dragons until 2028. But Collier‑Keywood has made clear he wants the new model in place “as quickly as possible”.

For now, the Scarlets and Ospreys — the two clubs that have defined West Wales rugby for two decades — are locked in a battle for survival, whether through merger, relocation or the loss of one side altogether.

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WRU to cut to three teams as players told dramatic news

Welsh rugby will have three teams going forward, although four will remain for now 13:03, 24 Oct 2025Updated…
#NewsBeep #News #Headlines #CardiffRugby #Dragons #Ospreys #Scarlets #UK #UnitedKingdom #WalesRugbyTeam #WelshRugbyUnion
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WRU expected to announce plan to cut to three professional sides by 2028

Four regions safe for now

Reports suggest the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) will confirm its long‑term strategy in the coming days, following months of consultation and debate.

The governing body is understood to favour a three‑team model, with one side in the east, one central and one in the west. That would mean Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets continue for now, but one region could be lost before the end of the current United Rugby Championship (URC) cycle in 2028.

From four options to one

Back in August, the WRU put forward four possible futures for the professional game. Two involved cutting to three teams, one with equal funding and one with unequal. Another suggested halving to two sides – described as the “optimal system” – while the fourth kept four teams but with a financial reshuffle.

The two‑team option provoked fierce opposition from players, supporters and politicians, with more than 7,000 people responding to a public survey. Wales captain Jac Morgan warned he would leave the domestic game if Ospreys were axed.

Stakeholder pressure

It is also understood that tournament organisers were reluctant to see an immediate reduction, with the URC keen to maintain four Welsh teams alongside its Irish, Scottish, Italian and South African participants.

The WRU’s current URC commitments run until the end of the 2027‑28 season, meaning any change would align with the next league cycle.

What happens next

While no official statement has yet been published by the WRU, reports indicate the governing body will announce its decision before the end of October.

If confirmed, the plan would provide short‑term stability for all four regions but leave the longer‑term future of professional rugby in Wales uncertain.

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Ospreys apologise to Scarlets investors after controversial fan question appears online

Question sparks backlash at Swansea fan event

The incident took place at a fan engagement evening held at the Patti Pavilion in Swansea on 23 September, led by Ospreys chief executive Lancy Bradley.

Supporters were invited to submit questions via a live Q&A app. One attendee posed the question: “Are HOL con men?” — referring to House of Luxury Group, the Scarlets’ new investment partner.

The question appeared briefly on a large screen during the event and was later visible in background images posted to the Ospreys’ social media channels.

In a statement released late on Saturday night, the club said:

“We apologise to the House of Luxury Group for the distress and upset caused by the publication of these photos, to the House of Luxury Group Board, and those connected with the company.”

Investment tensions amid WRU restructure

The apology comes as Welsh rugby faces a major shake‑up, with the WRU expected to reduce the number of professional teams from four to two or three by the end of October.

House of Luxury (HOL) began its partnership with the Scarlets in August, with its sports division now overseeing the club’s off‑field operations. If the Scarlets survive the restructure, HOL is expected to take a 55% shareholding, subject to WRU due diligence.

Simon Kozlowski, HOL’s chief experience officer, has publicly stated that if only one team remains in the west, it should be the Scarlets — citing their infrastructure and history.

The firm is led by Kirsti Jane Baker, 36, originally from Pontypridd. HOL is registered in Montana, USA, and not required to disclose financial accounts or ownership details under local law.

Rivalry intensifies as future hangs in balance

The apology follows months of friction between the regions. Carmarthenshire politicians and Scarlets supporters previously objected to the Ospreys’ plans to redevelop St Helen’s, which the Swansea‑based club sees as central to its long‑term future.

The WRU board is expected to make a final decision on the professional game’s future structure by the end of the month — a move likely to trigger instability and recriminations across the regional landscape.

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