Ospreys 'a step closer' to St Helen's stadium move

Ospreys will move from the Swansea.com Stadium to St Helen's during the 2025-26 season

Ospreys say their proposed move to St Helen's in 2025 has moved "an important step closer".

The Welsh rugby club previously announced they would be moving from Swansea.com Stadium to the smaller St Helen's venue for the 2025-26 season.

The City and County of Swansea Council's ruling cabinet has now agreed to invest in the project, subject to conditions.

However, Ospreys say they will not start the season in their new home because Swansea Cricket Club will continue to play at St Helen's until the end of their 2025 campaign before moving to a new ground in the city.

That means Ospreys' first home game at the new venue will take place a few months after the 2025-26 season has started.

They will have to play any home matches between September and November at alternative venues.

Grand plans taking shape

Ospreys, formed in 2003, regularly played at St Helen's before moving into their home at Swansea City's 21,000-seat stadium in 2005.

Chief executive Lance Bradley announced in January the region would be leaving for a smaller venue.

Ospreys had considered a permanent move to Bridgend after staging both a league and European fixture at the Brewery Field in the 2023-24 season, but opted to remain in Swansea.

Ospreys say the move will involve a "multi-million pound investment" in St Helen's, including a 4G pitch and new stands.

The move will require significant redevelopment of the famous old ground, which is still the home of Swansea RFC, to initially increase the current 4,500 capacity to around 8,000.

Ospreys are finalising the proposed layout of the site before submitting designs for planning approval.

Phase one of the proposed development would see the installation of a new and relocated pitch, refurbishment of the clubhouse and terrace, plus the installation of new stands.

There would also be a fan zone designed to provide entertainment before and after matches.

Phase two would see the installation of a state-of-the-art training facility, including gym and office space, plus a training barn, which will also be available for community use.

What they say

Ospreys chief executive Lance Bradley: "We have been working very closely with the council on this project, and it's great that it's taken an important step closer to coming to fruition. I'm confident that we can meet the conditions the council have stipulated.

"We remain on course to commence construction of phase one in spring 2025, with the aim of taking the field by that winter.

"While that means we'll be playing our first block of games of the 2025-26 season elsewhere, we know it'll be worth the wait for our supporters. We're looking forward to welcoming everyone home.

"This redevelopment will also be great news for both Swansea RFC and Swansea University, as they will both be continuing to play games at St Helen's."

Swansea council leader Rob Stewart: "We have significant ambitions for a sports science park in Swansea, and the Ospreys' commitment to a long-term future in the city aligns with this.

"We're working hard with them and others to make these visions come to fruition.

"There remains work to do, but our discussions with all stakeholders continue to be positive, and I'd like to thank everyone involved for their ongoing work with us.

"The council is committed to working with Ospreys to achieve their ambition of playing at St Helen's from the 2025-26 season."