Supporters deserve better than this. Clubs deserve better than this.
This week’s announcement from the WRU confirms the uncertainty that Ospreys supporters have feared for many months. Cardiff and Dragons (both in East Wales) have been guaranteed two of the three future professional licences if they sign up to proposed licencing terms, while the Ospreys and Scarlets are left competing for the remaining place in West Wales.
The WRU says it now wants to work collaboratively to develop the future licensing model. We welcome genuine collaboration, but confidence had been damaged by the public consultation process and may now be irreparably damaged following recently reported off-the-record comments attributed to WRU Group Chief Executive Officer Abi Tierney, in which she expressed a preference for an Ospreys-Scarlets merger. Whether intended or not, those comments create the impression that a preferred outcome already exists before the licensing process has even begun.
The WRU are hoping that supporters, players and clubs will trust this process, it must now demonstrate beyond doubt that every decision will be made transparently, objectively and based on clear evidence. The WRU have done nothing to earn our trust and it cannot simply be requested; trust is earned and hope is not a tactic.
At a time when the Ospreys and Swansea Council are investing in St Helen’s and creating what could become a blueprint for sustainable professional rugby in Wales, the club should be given every opportunity to demonstrate that vision without another prolonged period of uncertainty.
The OSC will continue to represent the interests of Ospreys supporters and will continue to press for a process that is genuinely fair, transparent and accountable.
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