Ospreys chief breaks silence after WRU confirms Cardiff Rugby sale plan

Bradley issued the update after the Welsh Rugby Union confirmed its intention to sell Cardiff Rugby to Y11 Sport & Media, the same ownership group that already controls the Ospreys. The WRU announcement triggered fresh concern across the region, particularly as the union’s statement focused almost entirely on Cardiff and offered only a brief reference to the Ospreys.

In his message to supporters, Bradley said he understood the frustration caused by the lack of communication in recent days, explaining that commercial confidentiality had prevented him from addressing the leaked news earlier. He said he recognised the uncertainty this had created and wanted to share as much information as he was able to.

Bradley confirmed that Y11 and the WRU have now entered a 60‑day exclusivity period to negotiate the Cardiff deal. He stressed that Y11 would continue to own and operate the Ospreys regardless of whether the Cardiff sale is completed, and that both teams would remain separate entities.

He also said the Ospreys’ place in the URC and EPCR competitions is secure until at least the end of the 2026/27 season, adding that preparations for next year are continuing as normal.

Bradley said he is in “constant communication” with Y11 and promised that any long‑term decisions affecting the region would be communicated first to Ospreys players, staff and their families before being shared publicly. He urged supporters to continue backing the team, beginning with this weekend’s match against the Lions, saying their support “has always made a big difference”.

Lance Bradley’s statement in full

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 would 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 mean time 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.

Lance Bradley
Chief Executive Officer

The statement comes after several weeks of uncertainty surrounding the region, with players publicly calling for clarity, coaches expressing concern about the lack of answers from union leadership, and MPs questioning WRU executives in Westminster about the handling of the situation.

Bradley said he would provide a full update on the Ospreys’ long‑term position once the exclusivity period ends and the Cardiff transaction is either completed or abandoned.

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Players issue ultimatum to WRU as Ospreys crisis deepens
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WRU bosses grilled by MPs as Ospreys future barely addressed
MPs challenge union leaders over the lack of answers on the region’s future.

Ospreys coach says CEO meeting offered little clarity
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Ospreys crisis deepens as MPs summon WRU chiefs
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In a "Very good seat" Doyler031 snapped his slightly obstructed view before #LeinsterRugby won their first 23/24 #URC home match.

Their next United, and home match is coming up on 17 February, against Cardiff.

But next the Blues will face Stade Français, at Aviva Stadium, on 13 January, for an #EPCR Pool D match.

https://aviewfrommyseat.com/photo/248589/RDS+Arena/section-D/row-C/seat-22/

Listened to #LEIvLAR postmortem episode from @HarpinOnRugby while waiting in recovery room which seemed rather apt. Some interesting observations I had missed watching the match live. #Rugby #EPCR

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/harpin-on-rugby/id1471715073?i=1000613950674

Donc si je résume, lorsque l'adversaire du #StadeToulousain ne peut pas jouer à cause du #Covid, l'EPCR décide que c'est un match nul, et les deux clubs marquent deux points.

Quand le Stade peut constituer une équipe pour jouer malgré les indisponibilités à cause du Covid, l'EPCR décide que c'est match perdu 28-0 avec point de bonus offensif pour l'adversaire.

Quel foutage de gueule. #rugby #ChampionsCup #EPCR #Toulouse