The Welsh Rugby Union’s plan to cut one of its four men’s domestic sides won’t happen now until 2028 at the earliest.
Y11 Sports & Media, the current owners of the Swansea-based Ospreys, had been in talks to buy Cardiff from the WRU, though that deal has now collapsed.
Moving from four to three teams is still the long-term aim for Welsh rugby’s governing body, but how it will do so remains unclear.
Chief executive Abi Tierney is under immense pressure but maintained her commitment to the role despite the imminent departure of WRU chair Richard Collier-Keywood and the Y11 and Cardiff deal not materialising.
‘I’m keen to continue. I still find it an absolute privilege and love being able to do it, but also don’t take it for granted,’ Tierney said.
‘I’ve learned in my career when you get a new boss, things can change. I’ll wait and see if I’ve got their support to do it.’
Welsh Rugby Union chief executive Abi Tierney has defended her position amid criticism
The WRU’s proposed sale of Cardiff to Y11 Sports & Media has dramatically fallen through
Y11 Sports & Media, the current owners of the Swansea-based Ospreys, had been in talks to buy Cardiff from the WRU, though that deal has now collapsed.
Y11’s prospective buying of Cardiff was expected to lead to the demise of the Ospreys as part of the WRU’s move to three teams.
But now it is very much a case of back to the drawing board for the country’s national game as it continues to be dominated by off-field politics.
Tierney defended her position and the collapse of the Cardiff deal by saying it did not make commercial sense to proceed with a sale to Y11.
Y11 have been strongly criticised by Ospreys fans as their future has looked at best uncertain in the past six months.
In that time, Jac Morgan and Dewi Lake – both Wales captains and Ospreys players – have confirmed moves to English sides Gloucester amid the constant upheaval.
The calling off of the Cardiff sale does not impact the £28million of planned WRU funding into Welsh rugby’s pathway systems.
‘Thank you to the Ospreys supporters for their patience and understanding. We know these have been worrying times for fans,’ Y11 said in an underwhelming statement.
Wales head coach Steve Tandy could soon be set to benefit from the availability of Kane James
In good news for Wales, Exeter’s former England Under-20 international Kane James is set to commit to wearing a red shirt at senior international level.
James, currently on the way back to action after an ankle injury, qualifies for both countries but it is understood he would have been in Wales’ Six Nations squad earlier this year had he been fit.
Should he return to action before the end of the season, his first Wales selection may come for this summer’s Nations Championship matches with Fiji, Argentina and South Africa.
