WRU confirm Y11 as preferred bidder for Cardiff Rugby

The Welsh Rugby Union has confirmed that Y11 Sports & Media, the current owners of the Ospreys, have been named as the preferred bidder to take over Cardiff Rugby.

The WRU said the move will see Cardiff continue as an independent professional club, preserving its brand, identity and heritage.

Following a unanimous decision by the WRU board, Y11 and the union will now enter a 60-day exclusivity period to complete negotiations and due diligence.

If the deal is finalised, Y11 would own both Cardiff Rugby and the Ospreys as separate entities, with each club continuing to operate independently.

The WRU stated that Cardiff would continue to be based in the capital and compete in the United Rugby Championship and EPCR competitions.

The Ospreys will also remain in those competitions until at least the end of the 2026/27 season. The union believes both teams can function competitively despite having common ownership.

A rival bid was submitted by a consortium led by former Cardiff director Martyn Ryan, alongside business and media figures, but this was unsuccessful.

While confirming Cardiff’s short-term future, the WRU reiterated its long-term objective of reducing the number of professional teams in Wales from four to three, ideally through agreement rather than a prolonged tender process.

Ospreys chief executive Lance Bradley has apologised to supporters for the lack of earlier communication surrounding discussions between Y11 Sports & Media and the Welsh Rugby Union, explaining that talks were commercially confidential.

"I recognise this has resulted in a few days of increased uncertainty, and this has left many of you wondering what's happening with your club," said Bradley.

"I'm now sharing as much information as I can about the situation.

"The WRU has today confirmed its intention to sell Cardiff Rugby to Y11. Being announced as the preferred bidder means both parties now enter into an exclusivity period to finalise the transaction."