Ospreys stadium search down to final two options
At the Swansea vs. Barbarians game in 2023, St. Helen’s saw its largest attendance to date.
The Ospreys have declared that either the Brewery Field in Bridgend or St Helen’s in Swansea will serve as the home of their future stadium.
In January, Ospreys CEO Lance Bradley declared that the region will be moving from Swansea.com Stadium, which seats 20,000 and is home to the football team Swansea City, to a smaller location.
The area wants to be relocated in time for the 2025–2026 season.
According to Ospreys, “significant redevelopments which would be phased over a number of years” would be necessary for any option.
Bradley stated, “I am happy to share that we have narrowed down our decision to two fantastic grounds.”
“Both offer unique opportunities, and we are confident either choice would be more than suitable as the Ospreys’ new home.”
The Ospreys’ New Year’s Day match against Cardiff drew 8,000 spectators.
Earlier this month, Neath declared that their Gnoll ground would not serve as the Ospreys’ future permanent home.
According to Bradley, the City and County of Swansea Council and the Bridgend County Borough Council have expressed interest, and a final decision will be made in the “coming weeks”.
“Both councils have come to the party and been more than accommodating in our requests and open to working together to ensure our new stadium is not just a suitable top-flight rugby stadium but offers further opportunities to enrich the local community,” Bradley stated.
“I’m excited to work with the relevant council to make sure our new home becomes the centre of the community and to be able to share our preferred option in the coming weeks.”
This season, Ospreys have played two games in Bridgend: the Challenge Cup triumph over Sale in April and the United Rugby Championship victory against Cardiff on New Year’s Day.
What the councils say
Any accepted plan, according to Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart, would allow for the Swansea Cricket Club’s relocation.
Although Glamorgan hasn’t performed there since 2019, they had been present at the location since 1875.
“St Helen’s needs to be upgraded to offer a modern sports experience, and the Ospreys need a new home and a plan for long-term sustainability,” Stewart stated.
“We’re willing to collaborate on the Ospreys’ present plan to transform St. Helen’s into a cutting-edge rugby stadium, assisting the local community in settling in and staying in Swansea.
“We are working with all of our sporting stakeholders to offer the Ospreys with first-rate facilities, and we are doing everything in our power to support their decision to remain in Swansea.
“With the current residents of St Helen’s, Swansea CC and Swansea RFC, we’re already having great conversations about important issues.
“Ongoing discussions to enable these potential changes include implications, timescales and funding to develop improved cricket facilities nearby.”
According to Councillor Neelo Farr, Cabinet Member for Housing, Economic Development, and Regeneration at the Bridgend County Borough Council, the Ospreys’ relocation will “provide a massive economic boost”.
“We are fully supportive of the Ospreys’ plans to potentially relocate to Bridgend County Borough and we are looking forward to further talks as we continue to discuss the many mutual benefits of any such move,” stated Farr.
“Bridgend is ideally situated on the M4 corridor and has plenty of public transportation options, including nearby train and bus stations. The Dunraven Brewery Field would offer the Ospreys a unique opportunity to base themselves in the centre of a town.”
“The Ospreys already have lots of strong community links throughout the county borough and it’s fantastic many of their current players are from Bridgend and started their rugby journeys by playing for our local teams.”
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