Cardiff Rugby to remain under WRU after Y11 withdrawal
The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has confirmed that Cardiff Rugby will remain under its ownership following a joint agreement with Y11 Sport & Media to withdraw from the bid process for Cardiff Rugby's purchase
The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has confirmed that Cardiff Rugby will remain under its ownership following a joint agreement with Y11 Sport & Media to withdraw from the bid process for Cardiff Rugby's purchase.
Ospreys are expected to sign the 2025 Professional Rugby Agreement (PRA25) soon, which will align them with Dragons RFC and Cardiff Rugby.
The WRU Board meeting on 16th April approved these moves, aiming to provide stability and clarity to Welsh rugby's top tier.
WRU CEO Abi Tierney said “We know we need to move to three clubs, nothing has changed there, for both financial and performance reasons and so we can invest in the right way in our pathway to ensure the future of the game,”
“But this move brings stability to the system where it is needed and a calmness and assuredness to our plans for the future.
“Y11 presented the best bid for Cardiff Rugby but the WRU has ultimately concluded that it is in the best interests of Welsh rugby for Cardiff Rugby to remain under WRU ownership for now.
“We remain undeterred from our ambition to move to three professional sides, this is necessary for the future of our game.
“We will continue to invest the £28m we have earmarked for our pathways over the next five years, in a phased way, and we retain our ambitions for commercial growth in the professional game.
“I would like to add that we are all very grateful to Y11 for the professionalism and commitment to Welsh rugby they have displayed throughout this process.”
This decision is part of WRU’s strategy to reduce the number of professional clubs in Wales from four to three by the end of the 2027/28 season.
Y11 Sport & Media commented:
“PRA25 for the Ospreys and top tier rugby in Swansea, partnering with Swansea Council and developing St Helens is the right outcome, whilst continuing to work with the WRU to further build a better pro rugby environment.
“We are grateful to the WRU for their openness and transparency throughout the negotiation period.
“Thank you to the Ospreys supporters for their patience and understanding, we know these have been worrying times for fans.”
Further details on implementing this strategy are expected by June.