Swansea Council calls for immediate halt to Welsh rugby restructuring as teams face reduction
Discussions reveal Welsh regional teams are to be cut from four to three
Swansea Council has initiated legal steps to stop the restructuring of Welsh rugby after a crucial meeting with the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) and the Ospreys.
The meeting on 22nd January 2026 involved key figures such as Swansea Council's Leader, five council officers, WRU Chief Executive Abi Tierney, and Ospreys Chief Executive Lance Bradley.
Legal proceedings have begun with pre-action letters sent to WRU and Y11, the Ospreys' owners, demanding a stop to the restructuring plans.
The Council planned to release the full minutes of the meeting but will instead share key details due to objections from Y11, Ospreys, and WRU.
During discussions, WRU confirmed a reduction in Welsh regional teams from four to three.
Simultaneously, Y11 has been identified as the preferred bidder for Cardiff Rugby, with a 60-day due diligence process already underway.