Ospreys stadium search down to final two options

The biggest recent crowd at St Helen's was for the Swansea v Barbarians match in 2023

Ospreys have confirmed their new stadium will be based at St Helen's in Swansea or the Brewery Field in Bridgend.

Ospreys chief executive Lance Bradley announced in January the region would be leaving the 20,000-capacity Swansea.com Stadium, the home of football club Swansea City, for a smaller venue.

The region are aiming to have moved in time for the 2025-26 season.

Ospreys say both choices would require "significant redevelopments which would be phased over a number of years".

“I am happy to share we have narrowed down our decision to two fantastic grounds," said Bradley.

"Both offer unique opportunities, and we are confident either choice would be more than suitable as the Ospreys' new home."

There was an 8,000 capacity crowd for Ospreys' New Year's Day game against Cardiff

Neath announced their Gnoll ground will not become the Ospreys' new permanent home earlier this month.

Bradley says a final decision will be made in the "coming weeks" with the City and County of Swansea Council and Bridgend County Borough Council showing their interest.

"Both councils have come to the party and been more than accommodating in our requests and open to working together to ensure our new stadium is not just a suitable top-flight rugby stadium but offers further opportunities to enrich the local community," Bradley said.

“I look forward to being able to share our preferred option in the coming weeks and working in partnership with the relevant council to ensure our new home becomes the hub of the community.”

Ospreys have held two matches in Bridgend this season, a United Rugby Championship win against Cardiff on New Year's Day and the Challenge Cup victory in April over Sale.

What the councils say

Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart said any approved plan would accommodate the relocation of Swansea Cricket Club.

They have played at the venue since 1875 but Glamorgan have not been there since 2019.

"St Helen's needs to be upgraded to offer a modern sports experience, and the Ospreys need a new home and a plan for long-term sustainability," said Stewart.

"We're prepared to work on the current Ospreys proposal for St Helen's to become a modern rugby stadium, helping the region to make their home there and remain in Swansea.

"We're doing all we can to support the Ospreys to stay in Swansea, while also working with all of our sporting stakeholders to provide top-class facilities for them.

"We're already discussing key matters in a positive manner with current St Helen's residents Swansea CC and Swansea RFC.

"Ongoing discussions to enable these potential changes include implications, timescales and funding to develop improved cricket facilities nearby."

Councillor Neelo Farr, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economic Development and Housing for Bridgend County Borough Council says an Ospreys move to the area would "provide a massive economic boost".

"We are fully supportive of the Ospreys' plans to potentially relocate to Bridgend County Borough and we are looking forward to further talks as we continue to discuss the many mutual benefits of any such move," said Farr.

"The Dunraven Brewery Field would offer the Ospreys a unique opportunity to base themselves in the heart of a town centre, with Bridgend being perfectly placed on the M4 corridor and having lots of public transport options with nearby train and bus stations.

"The Ospreys already have lots of strong community links throughout the county borough and it's fantastic many of their current players are from Bridgend and started their rugby journeys by playing for our local teams."