Ospreys players say they have been 'left in dark' by Y11 and WRU
Rhodri Evans
A number of the Ospreys squad have released a statement on social media saying that they have been ‘left in the dark’ by their owners Y11 Media & Sport and the Welsh Rugby Union.
The WRU released a statement on Monday to confirm that they have entered into a period of exclusivity with an unnamed buyer to purchase Cardiff Rugby, and it has been widely reported that that group is current Ospreys majority shareholders Y11.
It has sparked concern among Ospreys supporters who fear it could mean the end of the region as the WRU prepares to reduce the number of professional sides from four to three.
There has been no comment from the Ospreys, Y11, or the WRU on the matter, nor from Wales head coach Steve Tandy as he named seven Ospreys players in his squad for the upcoming Six Nations.
On Tuesday night, a number of Ospreys players – including Wales regulars Dewi Lake, Jac Morgan, Dan Edwards, and Gareth Thomas – released a joint statement on social media.
“As players we want to address the current situation and offer supporters our point of view,” the statement read.
“We have been left in the dark by the WRU and Y11. We ourselves have had no information regarding the ongoing situation.
“We struggle to believe that the most successful Welsh team to exist with the biggest history is on the brink of non-existence.
“We will continue to play for the fans and for the people who have stood by the Ospreys over the years.”
Torsten Bell, Labour MP for Swansea West, wrote on social media that he was “urgently writing to Y11 to call for a meeting to clarify their intentions”.
The leader of Swansea council said that they would explore “all options – including legal action – to safeguard the future of regional rugby in Swansea.”
The WRU and Y11 have been approached for comment.
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Francis and Hamer-Webb headline 38-man Wales 2026 Six Nations squad
Rhodri Evans
Steve Tandy has recalled 76-cap tighthead prop Tomas Francis to the Wales squad ahead of the 2026 Six Nations.
Francis has not played for Wales since the 2023 World Cup, but is included alongside less experienced options Keiron Assiratti and Archie Griffin in the tighthead position.
Uncapped backs Louie Hennessey and Gabe Hamer-Webb also make the 38-man group, at the expense of Max Llewellyn and Rio Dyer amongst others.
Hamer-Webb, 25, left Cardiff for Leicester for the start of the 2025-26 season, while Hennessey was involved in Tandy’s group in the autumn without making his debut.
Returning players include Josh Macleod, Sam Costelow, James Botham, Owen Watkin, Mason Grady and Ryan Elias, with the likes of Tommy Reffell, Callum Sheedy, Brodie Coghlan, and Nick Tompkins all missing out.
Dewi Lake captains the squad in the absence of Jac Morgan, who dislocated his shoulder in Wales’ first match of the autumn matches. Taulupe Faletau and Llewellyn are also missing through injury.
There are nine Scarlets players in the squad, with seven each from Cardiff and Ospreys, and just two from Dragons. A further 13 play in England and France.
The Wales squad will link up next week before the Six Nations opener away against England on Saturday, 7 February.
Wales have lost their previous 11 matches in the tournament with the past victory coming against Italy in March 2023.
“There are a few changes to the squad from the autumn, some due to injury, but others are a sign of the competition there is and how many players we have in the mix which is a real positive,” said Tandy.
“I think we have a good blend again within the squad moving into this campaign and can’t wait for us to assemble next week.
“I’m excited to get back into camp and look at how we build on the foundations established in the autumn and make sure we are continually growing and developing as a group.”
Tandy has backed Lake to lead the side again.
“Dewi is great man and so passionate about Wales which I think everyone can see,” added Tandy.
“I thought he was outstanding in the way he led during the autumn, not only in the three games he was captain, but also how he supported Jac [Morgan] prior to that.
“I know he will continue to do an amazing job in the role this Six Nations.”
Wales Squad
Forwards
Keiron Assiratti (Cardiff), Adam Beard (Montpellier), Liam Belcher (Cardiff), James Botham (Cardiff), Rhys Carre (Saracens), Ben Carter (Dragons), Olly Cracknell (Leicester), Harri Deaves (Ospreys), Ryan Elias (Scarlets), Tomas Francis (Provence), Archie Griffin (Bath), Dafydd Jenkins (Exeter), Dewi Lake (Ospreys, capt), Alex Mann (Cardiff), Josh Macleod (Scarlets), Taine Plumtree (Scarlets), Nicky Smith (Leicester), Gareth Thomas (Ospreys), Freddie Thomas (Gloucester), Aaron Wainwright (Dragons).
Backs
Josh Adams (Cardiff), Sam Costelow (Scarlets), Dan Edwards (Ospreys), Jarrod Evans (Harlequins), Mason Grady (Cardiff), Kieran Hardy (Ospreys), Gabriel Hamer-Webb (Leicester), Joe Hawkins (Scarlets), Louie Hennessey (Bath), Eddie James (Scarlets), Ellis Mee (Scarlets), Reuben Morgan-Williams (Ospreys), Blair Murray (Scarlets), Louis Rees-Zammit (Bristol Bears), Tom Rogers (Scarlets), Ben Thomas (Cardiff), Owen Watkin (Ospreys), Tomos Williams (Gloucester).
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Patchell, Lydiate, Jones return to Wales coaching staff on interim basis
Rhodri Evans
Rhys Patchell, Dan Lydiate, and Duncan Jones will return to the Wales coaching staff for the 2026 Six Nations on an interim basis.
All three were part of the Wales men’s coaching set up for the four autumn matches at last November but returned to their clubs after the conclusion of that series.
Patchell and Lydiate will depart Dragons for the duration of the Six Nations, while Jones will do the same from Ospreys.
Jones, a 57-cap Wales international and two-time Grand Slam winner, will take charge of the scrum, while 72-cap ex-flanker Lydiate will assist head coach Steve Tandy on the defence.
Patchell returns as the skills coach with responsibility on kicking.
Speaking about the update Tandy said: “It’s great that Duncan, Dan and Rhys will be joining up with us again for the Six Nations and my thanks to the Ospreys and Dragons for allowing them this opportunity a second time. We’re all excited to get into camp next week and build on the foundations we established in the autumn.”
WRU director of rugby and elite performance Dave Reddin added: “Having Duncan, Dan and Rhys return to work alongside Steve, Danny and Matt allows us to maintain a good balance in the coaching team. That consistency and cohesion will help to continue to grow and develop the playing group.”
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Welsh Rugby Union release statement on future of Cardiff ownership
Rhodri Evans
The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) have released a statement on the future ownership of Cardiff Rugby, with Y11 Sport & Media the reported winner.
The WRU took ownership of Cardiff after the club went into administration in April 2025, with the Welsh governing body looking for new investors.
Ultimately, the Union had a choice between Y11 and another consortium that includes former Cardiff director Martyn Ryan as well as three television and film producers based in the United States of America.
Since the WRU’s ownership of Cardiff, they have also announced that it will be reducing the number of men’s sides from four to three.
Y11 are the current majority stakeholders in Ospreys, and with WRU chair Richard Collier-Keywood setting out the Union’s desire to have one region in the West, East, and Cardiff, the fear is that the Swansea-based region will be the one to go.
The statement read: “The WRU board met for its January meeting today and considered the recommendation from the executive leadership team on the sale of Cardiff Rugby.
“The board reviewed in detail the final two bids and unanimously approved the proposal to move forward with a preferred bidder into an exclusivity period.
“Following this decision, the WRU has obligations to liaise with a number of stakeholders over the next few days.
“We will then discuss the decision with the two bidders and the management of Cardiff Rugby and expect to be in a position to have completed this by next week.
“The WRU hopes to finalise the detailed negotiations with the preferred bidder and sign a binding agreement within a matter of weeks.”
If Y11 are confirmed as the owners of Cardiff, both clubs would be in violation of World Rugby’s regulations on ownership.
Regulation 14 states: “No individual, body corporate, partnership, trust or any other entity may directly or indirectly own or control more than one club except with the prior written consent of the Union concerned, or where clubs from different Unions are involved, the written consent of the Unions concerned and World Rugby.”
With the Union not ruling out both Cardiff and Ospreys playing in the United Rugby Championship for the 2026/27 season, perhaps a compromise can be found.
The CF10 Rugby Trust, an independent voice for Cardiff supporters, released a statement on Tuesday morning saying that they have been ‘very vocal’ in their opposition to the Y11 bid.
“This winning bidder has not been confirmed officially at this stage,” their statement read.
“However there is intense speculation in the media that the owners of the Ospreys, Y11 have been chosen as the preferred bidder. It will come as no surprise that we are angry about this decision as we have been very vocal in our opposition to this outcome.
“CF10 Board members will meet on Tuesday night, when hopefully more news will have emerged, to discuss the situation. We will hold a full member meeting very shortly to ask for views on the way forward.”
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Kiran Carlson named Glamorgan club captain ahead of 2026 season
Rhodri Evans
Kiran Carlson has been named the club captain of Glamorgan Cricket ahead of the 2026 season, following the departure of Sam Northeast.
A Glamorgan academy graduate, Carlson becomes one of the youngest captains in the club’s history at the age of 27, and will now combine his white ball captaincy with the red ball job for the coming season.
Carlson made his debut for the Welsh county in 2016, quickly becoming a mainstay of the side. He has previously captained Glamorgan in white ball cricket and at age group level.
He has led the county to recent successes, including the victorious 2021 and 2024 One Day Cup campaigns and played a pivotal role in Glamorgan’s promotion from Division Two of the County Championship last season as vice-captain to Northeast.
With Northeast leaving for his home county of Kent at the end of the 2025 season, Glamorgan have filled a necessary vacancy in their squad ahead of their first Division One campaign in over twenty years.
Speaking on being named club captain, Carlson said: “I’m extremely honoured and privileged to be named as Captain of my hometown Club; somewhere I’ve supported and been a part of for a long time.
“I’ve grown up around some amazing Captains and to be a Welsh boy captaining Glamorgan is a real honour. I’ve had the pleasure of spending time with people like Matt Maynard and the late Hugh Morris, both of whom are heroes of mine and people I look up to a lot.
“I’m really excited for what the future holds for Glamorgan. We’re all thrilled to represent Wales and doing the nation proud in a big season for the Club.”
Director of Cricket Mark Wallace added: “Kiran has developed his captaincy and leadership since first taking over for the 50-Over format in 2021.
“This is an exciting time for Kiran to step up to overall Club captaincy. We’re all looking forward to him leading the Club on the field for years to come.”
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'Statement' win for Cardiff as the rest go winless: Welsh football weekend round-up
Rhodri Evans
Cardiff City secured a ‘statement’ victory over fellow promotion contenders Bradford City on Saturday, with a screamer from David Turnbull.
Elsewhere in the EFL, Swansea picked up a creditable home draw with Birmingham City, while Wrexham’s long unbeaten run ended, and Newport remain rooted to the bottom of League Two.
Let’s get into the action.
Cardiff continue to win the big matches
It was a tale of two screamers at Valley Parade on Saturday, as David Turnbull’s wonderful curling effort was matched by Jenson Metcalfe’s strike from almost the exact same spot.
Cardiff, though, ran out 2-1 winners away to one of their main promotion rivals, with Callum Chambers the quickest to react to Ollie Tanner’s low ball from a short corner splitting the two sides on the day.
That was only a second home league defeat since March for third-place Bradford, who are now nine points behind Cardiff and outside of the automatic promotion places.
“It’s a big statement. Coming here, we knew how tough it was going to be. They’ve been flying high, especially at home this season,” Turnbull told BBC Sport Wales after the game.
“It says a lot about the mentality. Everybody was in it together. It just shows how together we all are. We love fighting for each other.”
Wrexham’s long unbeaten run ended
Struggling Norwich City ended Wrexham’s five-game winning run, with Phil Parkinson branding the match a ‘missed opportunity’ for his side.
Tunisia international Anis Ben Slimane notched his first goal of the season to put Norwich ahead early on at Stok Cae Ras, but Wrexham improved after that setback, with Sam Smith’s fifth goal of the campaign bringing them level.
They could not go on to secure a win though, as Jovon Makama bagged his 13th goal of the season with Norwich stretching their unbeaten away run in the league to four matches.
“If individually and collectively the performance level drops within a game then that’s not going to be enough to get a result. I think that was it today,” said the Wrexham manager.
“I said to the lads afterwards, when we were 3-1 down against Sheffield United, we stayed in a nice rhythm about ourselves and we worked our way back into the game brilliantly.
“Today, after those couple of technical errors, we needed someone to get hold of the ball and get us playing again – when we did that, we had some good spells again and nearly got back in it.
“So it’s obviously frustrating, we’ve been on a brilliant run, we’re not going to get too down about it. But I feel it was an opportunity today. If you look at the last 35 minutes of the first half, how well we played, it’s an opportunity I feel we’ve wasted.”
Swansea end home winning streak with Birmingham draw
Swansea were on course for a fifth successive Championship home win after Zan Vipotnik’s cushioned volley gave them a first-half lead, before Patrick Roberts’ second half equaliser put paid to the home fans celebrations.
Vitor Matos’ team went on to hit the woodwork three times, but their failure to find a second goal meant Roberts’ close-range drive was enough for the draw.
Despite the dropped points, Matos insisted the Swans “are improving and doing the right steps”.
“It’s good to see that we are creating more chances and from the chances we are creating, we are becoming a dangerous team, an aggressive team,” said the Swansea head coach.
“Then it’s about efficiency – football is about that, of course. But at this moment, we got a point, we grab that point, we grab the performance and we move on. I think we are [going] in the right direction.”
Newport suffer crushing late defeat
Newport County missed the chance to move out of the League Two relegation zone as Gillingham scored two goals in added time to win 3-2.
With the match 1-1 going into the final 10 minutes of regular time, Cameron Antwi thought that he had won it for the Exiles, but a penalty from Gillingham skipper Armani Little and Garath McLeary’s header won it for the hosts deep into stoppage time.
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Ben Davies injury blow for Wales' World Cup qualifiers
Rhodri Evans
Ben Davies went off on a stretcher after suffering a leg injury for Tottenham Hotspur against West Ham United on Saturday.
The Wales captain had to leave the field on a stretcher and was given oxygen after going down injured inside the first 20 minutes of Tottenham’s 2-1 defeat at home.
The injury will be a major concern for Wales boss Craig Bellamy ahead of March’s World Cup play-offs.
Wales face Bosnia-Herzegovina in the semi-final at Cardiff City Stadium on 26 March, with the winner at home to Northern Ireland or Italy in the final on 31 March.
Davies’ contract with Tottenham expires at the end of the season with Thomas Frank not providing an update after the game.
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Six players who have put their hands up for Wales selection in 2026
Rhodri Evans
After two rounds of thrilling European action, Steve Tandy is set to name his Wales squad for the 2026 Six Nations tomorrow.
Sportin Wales has picked six names who have put their hands up in recent weeks for a spot in the squad. Here they are:
Che Hope – Dragons
With Tomos Williams the undisputed first choice scrum-half, there is an opportunity for someone to nail down the number 21 shirt for Wales in the upcoming campaign.
Kieran Hardy is the more experienced option and has been electric for Ospreys in recent weeks, but if Tandy wants a real live wire option, Dragons scrumhalf Che Hope looks like the next cab off the rank.
After nailing down the 9 shirt ahead of Christmas, Hope has scored four tries in four games, as well as laying on two more for his teammates.
When Williams is on the pitch, the speed of the Welsh attack is markedly increased. If Tandy wants to maintain that speed for Wales in the Six Nations, he could do worse than give Hope a go.
Ellis Mee – Scarlets
Not an unfamiliar name to Wales fans, Mee made his debut in a memorable match against Ireland in last year’s tournament and was millimetres from making it a try scoring one.
With Wales exposed in the air against the likes of South Africa and Argentina last autumn, Tandy may revert to more aerial strength and Mee offers that.
Big, strong, and quick, Mee’s try assist for Archie Hughes last was a standout moment, burning Ollie Sleightholme down the wing, stepping inside Edoardo Todero, and having the presence of mind to offload to the supporting scrum-half.
Get him in the squad.
Kane James – Exeter Chiefs
Perhaps the biggest question mark on this list due to his injury against Cardiff on the weekend, James is the latest in a long line of impressive Welsh number eights.
With Taulupe Faletau ruled out of at least the first three rounds of the Six Nations, Tandy has a hole to fill in his back row stocks. Whether the likes of Olly Cracknell, Aaron Wainwright, and Morgan Morse just nudge James out, remains to be seen.
Eligible for Wales, England and New Zealand, the former Wales Under-18 international has been strongly linked with a potential senior call-up after a series of explosive cameo performances off the bench for the Chiefs.
James switched allegiance to England Under-20s last year and played his part in their Six Nations and World Rugby U20 Championship double, but has made no secret of being open to a return to Wales as he targets Test rugby. He may have to wait for the summer tests to realise that dream.
Mason Grady – Cardiff Rugby
Another winger to put their hand up, Grady offers a physicality that no other flier in Wales can.
Plagued by injuries in recent times, Grady’s return could be a big boost for Tandy, whose side lacked that physical edge in their autumn matches, especially in the back line.
He might not be straight back into the team, but his ability to play both outside centre and wing should see him make the squad.
James Williams – Bristol Bears
If Tandy and attack coach Matt Sherratt want to continue their strategy of fielding a playmaking inside centre, then James Williams of Bristol Bears should be considered for the role.
Ben Thomas has been the first choice recently but was ousted by Joe Hawkins for the New Zealand and South Africa games. It is expected that both players will be in Tandy’s squad, but their versatility offers the chance to pick Williams.
Williams has been a mainstay in Bristol’s midfield, playing every minute of a seven-game winning streak from late November to January, including kicking the winning conversion in a 19-17 victory over Sale Sharks.
Ross Moriarty – Ospreys
Another candidate to fill the void left by Faletau’s injury, Ross Moriarty offers an abrasiveness that Welsh forwards can sometimes lack.
Moriarty’s return to Welsh rugby has been a successful one, playing regularly for Ospreys and impressing – his trying scoring display against Montpellier this weekend was particularly noteworthy.
Whether Wales have moved on from the former Grand Slam winner remains to be seen, but Moriarty would offer a safe pair of hands in either the blindside flanker or number eight position.
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Wales to host stage of Tour de France for first time
Rhodri Evans
Wales is set to host a stage in the Tour de France for the first time in history next year, running from Welshpool to Cardiff.
Tour de France organisers have confirmed Wales will host the third stage of the iconic race in 2027.
The 2027 Tour will start in Edinburgh running on the first day to Carlisle, with the second stage going from Keswick to Liverpool.
Stage three, from Welshpool to Cardiff, is 223 kilometres long and runs via Builth Wells, Brecon, Treorchy, and Nelson.
“The Tour is the reason I got into cycling so it will be a very special day – but it’s the legacy that will be key,” said Tour winner Geraint Thomas.
Thomas won the Tour in 2018 and has been named Wales’ cycling ambassador for next year’s race.
The ambassadorship, announced by First Minister Eluned Morgan and Christian Prudhomme, General Director of the Tour de France (ASO), will give Thomas a platform to inspire young Welsh cyclists, while helping maximise the long-term benefits to Wales of hosting ‘Le Tour’.
“I’m incredibly proud to be announced as Wales’ Cycling Ambassador as we prepare for the 2027 Tour de France,” Thomas added.
“The Tour coming to Wales is massive – these roads, these climbs and these fans are made for cycling, and now the world gets to see that. I can’t wait to play my part in welcoming the Tour, inspiring riders young and old, and helping make this a moment Wales will never forget.”
“It’s a real opportunity. The eyes of the world will be on our country for one of the biggest sporting audiences on the planet,” First Minister Eluned Morgan said.
“Millions upon millions of people around the world will never have seen parts of Wales that we’ll be showing them. This isn’t just a milestone for cycling in Wales, but it’s a celebration and an opportunity for us to show off our nation.”
As part of the Welsh leg of the 2027 edition, riders will take on seven categorised climbs, including Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) as well as the Rhigos (Cote de Rhigos) and Caerphilly (Cote de Caerphilly) mountains.
Prudhomme, meanwhile, tipped the stage to see an early battle between the favourites for cycling’s ultimate prize with the likes of Tadej Pogacar, Jonas Vingegaard and Remco Evenepoel set to battle on Welsh roads.
“It’s very important for us to have the GC (general classification) contenders shoulder against shoulder during the Grand Departs – and it will be the case,” he said.
“This stage will be very challenging, it is a 100% Welsh stage. There will be punchy performers but the leaders of each team and the riders who want to win the tour – we will see them on stage three for sure. I think there will be a new yellow jersey after stage three.”
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Taulupe Faletau ruled out of first three rounds of 2026 Six Nations
Rhodri Evans
Wales and Cardiff number eight Taulupe Faletau has been ruled out of the first three rounds of the 2026 Six Nations due to a calf injury.
Faletau, 35, suffered a calf injury while playing for Cardiff against Ospreys on 1 January.
The British and Irish Lions’ number eight had only just returned from a knee injury which put him out of Wales’ 2025 autumn internationals.
Cardiff coach Corniel van Zyl said: “It’s not clear on his return, but we’re definitely looking at the middle of the Six Nations, into our Leinster game.”
With Cardiff’s match against Leinster coming on February 27th, that would rule Faletau out of Wales’ opener against England on 7 February along with the visits to Cardiff of France and Scotland on the next two weekends.
“That is the target, we will see how it goes,” added van Zyl.
The Wales squad is set to be announced by Steve Tandy next Tuesday, January 20th. With Faletau ruled out, Aaron Wainwright and Olly Cracknell will be assured of their places, with more fringe options such as Morgan Morse, Taine Plumtree, and Ross Moriarty all back into contention for a spot.
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