The WRU board member was said to have been on the receiving end of boos and jeers at the Brewery Field
Former Wales international Jamie Roberts(Image: S4C)
Jamie Roberts admitted the Ospreys were in a “difficult situation” as tensions continue to rise over the future of Welsh rugby.
The former Wales centre, now a member of the WRU board, was in Bridgend for the Ospreys’ 19-13 derby win over the Dragons — a match played against the backdrop of a passionate supporter protest — and he was reportedly met with boos and jeers as he entered the Brewery Field.
A host of Ospreys fans and former players gathered before kick-off to voice their anger at the Welsh Rugby Union and the region’s owners, Y11 Sports & Media, amid fears the Swansea-based side could be the team sacrificed in the proposed move to cut Welsh professional rugby down to three regions.
The WRU recently confirmed its intention to move to a three-team structure, while also revealing that Y11 — the Ospreys’ ownership group — are the preferred bidders to take over WRU-owned Cardiff Rugby.
That development has heightened concerns among supporters that the Ospreys are the region most at risk.
Against that backdrop, Roberts’ presence did not go unnoticed.
Before kick-off, Ospreys head coach Mark Jones acknowledged the significance of the protest and the strength of feeling among the fanbase.
“It means a lot,” said Jones. “I caught up with Shane’s (Williams) podcast in the week, listening to his time at the Ospreys and Welsh rugby.
“Reality is maybe hitting home now about how seismic this could be for Welsh rugby. So, having these people coming out and supporting the team, the staff, all the regions — there’s a lot of uncertainty — it’s awesome.”
Speaking on S4C ahead of the Welsh derby, Roberts admitted the situation is fraught.
“It’s a very difficult situation,” he said.
“My applause and respect to Mark Jones, that interview was a very strong one. It’s a very hard situation at the moment.”
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Roberts also suggested the off-field turmoil could sharpen the edge on the pitch, with several players eager to make statements amid the uncertainty.
“There’s a number of players with a point to prove — especially with what’s going on off the pitch,” he added.
“There are a few players who have come back from the Welsh squad and a few players who haven’t been selected.
“So there’s a point to prove.”
The match itself ended in dramatic fashion, with Keelan Giles crossing late on to secure victory for the Ospreys in an emotional week for the region.
But while the players delivered on the field, the scenes beforehand underlined the scale of unrest off it — and the growing pressure on decision-makers as Welsh rugby faces one of the most seismic periods in its professional history.