Ospreys sign new WRU deal that will see them through to 2028

Ospreys have taken a decisive step toward securing their future after becoming the third Welsh region to sign the WRU’s new Professional Rugby Agreement, a move that leaves the spotlight firmly on the Scarlets.

The deal, agreed with the club’s owners Y11 Sport & Media, brings the Ospreys into line with Dragons RFC and Cardiff Rugby, leaving the Scarlets as the only Welsh region yet to sign up to the new agreement.

Confirmation of the deal represents a significant moment for Welsh rugby’s ongoing reset, with PRA25 billed to deliver greater alignment between the WRU and the struggling professional club game in Wales.

With three regions now signed up, attention inevitably turns in the direction of Llanelli and the Scarlets.

The long-discussed and divisive prospect of reducing the number of Welsh professional sides from four to three has not gone away, and the Scarlets’ status as the only unsigned region places them under increased scrutiny.

The Ospreys said they were ‘delighted’ in a statement and that the “agreement, which runs until the end of the 27/28 season, signals a period of stability for the Region.

“A key element of the new agreement is that it provides for greater collaboration with the WRU, including growth of alignment on the playing side in particular.

“With work now underway at Ospreys’ new stadium at St. Helen’s, and now the signing of the PRA, the Region is looking forward to continuing its proud history as a key player in Welsh rugby.”

The WRU also welcomed the development, stressing the importance of bringing the professional clubs under a unified structure.

A union statement read: “The Welsh Rugby Union has welcomed the signing of the 2025 Professional Rugby Agreement (PRA25) by the Ospreys.

“The agreement with Osprey’s owners Y11 Sport & Media means that the regional club now joins Dragons RFC and Cardiff Rugby on PRA25.

“The PRA25 increases collaboration across the entire rugby ecosystem and underpins the working relationship between the WRU and the men’s regional teams.

“It is aimed at establishing financial stability and creating the foundations for success in all areas of the professional game in Wales.”

WRU chief executive Abi Tierney stressed the significance of the agreement, while confirming attention will now turn to securing the Scarlets’ signature.

She said: “PRA25 creates greater alignment across rugby in Wales, and I am very pleased that constructive discussions with Y11 Sport & Media have led to the Ospreys signing the agreement.

“Three out of four of our regional men’s clubs are now on PRA25 and due diligence work with the Scarlets is continuing. We look forward to having all of our men’s professional teams on the agreement ahead of the start of the next United Rugby Championship in September.”

Professional Rugby Board chair Marianne Økland also welcomed the progress made during negotiations across the game.

She added: “I have been very encouraged by the collaborative way negotiations between the WRU and the professional clubs have been conducted over recent months.

“This positive spirit is also evidenced by the meaningful progress made on the future model for the development pathways.”