The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) and Y11 Sport & Media have jointly agreed that Y11 withdraw from the bid process for the proposed purchase of Cardiff Rugby due to constructive discussions, with Ospreys expected to sign the 2025 Professional Rugby Agreement (PRA25) shortly.
The move means Cardiff Rugby will remain under WRU ownership for now and until it makes commercial and strategic sense to revisit this decision.
A meeting of the WRU Board on Thursday 16th April approved the decision. It also reaffirmed (after first reaching the conclusion at a February meeting) that, subject to completion of due diligence, both the Ospreys and Scarlets will be offered the opportunity to enter the PRA25 agreement to bring them into line with Dragons RFC and Cardiff Rugby.
These steps will provide stability and clarity to Welsh rugby’s top tier as the WRU defines the steps to implement its ‘Way Forward’ strategy to reduce the number of professional clubs in Wales from four to three by the end of the 2027/28 season.
A decision on the procedure for implementing this strategy will be taken by June.
“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,” said WRU CEO Abi Tierney.
“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.”
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.”
PRB chair Marianne Økland added: “This decision will hopefully contribute towards stability to the system in Wales.
“It’s good to see that the WRU Board has kept an open mind and evolved its thinking in line with developments. Welsh rugby now have an opportunity to work together to create a sustainable future for the whole game in Wales which is a priority for us all.”