Welsh council seeks injunction to halt deal threatening future of provincial rugby side

The council is seeking an urgent court hearing but stated that, if the WRU were to provide a written undertaking that it will not complete the deal, the court hearing could be delayed.

Swansea Council revealed that the WRU provided this written confirmation yesterday morning (Thursday February 19), promising that it will not complete the deal for Y11 to buy Cardiff Rugby prior to March 16. Y11 are the current owners of the Ospreys.

The council is now awaiting a date for its injunction application to be heard at the High Court prior to March 16.

A Swansea Council spokesperson said: "The proposed deal between the WRU and Y11 to buy Cardiff Rugby would mean the end of the Ospreys as a men's professional regional rugby team playing in the URC.

"We are seeking an injunction to prevent this deal going ahead so that further discussions can take place while the current four‑team regional structure remains in place.

"The injunction would give all parties the opportunity to consider other options for the future of regional rugby in Wales."

The spokesperson added: "We believe this is a reasonable and proportionate action given the risk to the future of the Ospreys and the impact that would have on Swansea and the wider region.”

The decision to apply for an injunction was taken by Swansea’s Cabinet on Tuesday this week and had all-party support across the council.

The council has also formally requested that the Competition and Markets Authority investigate the proposed deal between the WRU and Y11, but the CMA is yet to confirm whether it will take an official interest.

Council leader Rob Stewart told the BBC: "We cannot accept a situation where decisions are made behind closed doors to remove one of Wales' four professional teams and leave Swansea without top-level rugby.

"We are asking the CMA to step in urgently to protect competition and give our city and region the fair treatment it deserves."

The CMA has confirmed that it has received a letter from Swansea Council, but said it does not comment on private correspondence or cases it may or not investigate.

Harry Rodd