Overview
- Swansea Council approved a revised plan with the Ospreys to upgrade St Helen’s, with work expected to start soon to prepare the ground for the 2026–27 season after a year based in Bridgend.
- Under a joint investment model, the council will fund public-use upgrades such as a new 4G pitch and floodlights, while the Ospreys will pay for a new stand, a fan zone and broadcast facilities.
- A Swansea Rugby Community Board is planned to steer grassroots benefits, and former Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones has agreed to work with the council on that effort.
- Council officials warned that failing to proceed could block the Ospreys from using St Helen’s and cost the local economy about £15 million per year in lost activity.
- The decision lands as the WRU pushes a cut to three professional teams and faces an April 13 no-confidence vote in its chair, with Y11’s proposed Cardiff takeover also under regulatory scrutiny.