Claims, counter-claims, statements and letters. Just another day in Welsh Rugby’s ongoing battle
Abi Tierney and Richard Collier-Keywood(Image: © Huw Evans Picture Agency)
Welsh Rugby Union bosses are facing fresh calls to resign today amid accusations from Swansea Council they misled the public.
It comes as Welsh rugby’s war escalated again on Friday with the publication of minutes from a meeting between Swansea Council and the WRU, in which it is claimed it was made clear the future of the Ospreys is bleak beyond next year. While WRU CEO Abi Tierney has disputed the accuracy of the minutes, the published document contains her amendments and corrections and still allege her and Ospreys chief Lance Bradley suggested a men’s professional regional rugby team would not be playing at St Helen’s in the long term if the deal for Ospreys owners Y11 to by Cardiff goes through. Bradley has insisted he has never made any statements about the Ospreys’ future beyond 2027.
Swansea Council say the comments in the minutes clearly contradict public statements recently made by Tierney, and Collier-Keywood during a Senedd hearing, that no decisions have been made on which team will be axed in the process of losing a pro side. You can read what Tierney has said here, and what Collier-Keywood said to the Senedd here.
The minutes, amended by Tierney but published without her consent, claim two key comments were made by her and Bradley. You can read the minutes in full below.
The minutes of the meeting
One says: “Abi explained one of the reasons for attending today’s meeting – and this was to remain confidential – was to discuss alternative options for ensuring professional rugby remains in Swansea even though a regional men’s team would not be playing at St Helen’s if the Cardiff sale to Y11 is completed.”
The minutes also claim Bradley said there would not be a professional regional Ospreys team playing at St Helens. He is then said to have explained that the Ospreys has been losing £2.5 million a year and this position was worsening with increased costs and reduced income. As such, it did not have a sustainable future.
Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart said: “Our national sport is in disarray, we need a change in leadership at the WRU quickly. Those who have participated in misleading the public, its representatives and the fans cannot remain in post.
“Our legal action remains ready to proceed, as does our determination to ensure the Osprey’s remain a profession regional side playing at a redeveloped St Helen’s.
“The minutes are not verbatim but nonetheless are an accurate reflection of the meeting based on notes taken at the time by several senior Council officers. Abi Tierney was sent a copy and did not dispute the accuracy of the reference to the Ospreys ceasing to exist after the 2026/27 season. The version published today shows the Council’s notes along with Abi’s comments in track changes.
“Publishing these minutes ensures the future of Welsh rugby is debated honestly and in full view of the public.”
A Welsh Rugby Union statement read: “The WRU notes that Swansea Council has chosen to publish its purported minutes of a meeting with Abi Tierney, WRU Chief Executive, and Lance Bradley, Chief Executive of the Ospreys, on 21 January 2026. Our position has been clear and consistent throughout,” said a statement from the governing body. “This was a confidential meeting.
“It was not formally minuted – as Swansea Council themselves acknowledge. The notes are not an accurate reflection of what was said, and Abi Tierney has stated this throughout.
“Indeed, her own comments on the notes – now published without her consent – make clear that she did not say what is purported. The WRU has behaved professionally and courteously throughout and has nothing further to add.”
Meanwhile, embattled WRU chair Collier-Keywood has responded to criticisms from a Senedd Committee that accused bosses of “a dereliction of duty” and urged them to reconsider the plan to cut a professional team.
Collier-Keywood has written to Culture, Communications, Welsh Language, Sport and International Relations Committee chair Delyth Jewell MS, denying her claims there is no backing for the change the WRU board are trying to implement.
In a letter sent to Collier-Keywood from the committee following the hearing last month, Jewell had accused him of losing the argument and said she was concerned to hear there was no “Plan B” if the current proposals were defeated.
Collier-Keywood has now moved to clarify that remark and insist the huge consultation undertaken by the WRU provided a categoric mandate for change.
He said: “The consultation, contrary to the assertion in your letter, produced an overriding consensus for change. Our challenge has been how to effect that change.”
He continued: “You expressed concern at the conversation about a potential ‘plan B’. Our response to this question was intended to assure you we remain committed to our current plan.
“There are alternatives we have discussed but none that achieve the aims and ambitions we have within our resource and means available.
“We are focused on getting this plan right but are not complacent and maintain a risk register, continually assessing potential scenarios as part of our planning.”