Ospreys players say they have been ‘left in dark’ by Y11 and WRU
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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