Ospreys owners Y11 Sport & Media are set to become the owners of Cardiff, increasing speculation that the Ospreys will be closed down by the Welsh Rugby Union.

Cardiff boasts a number of internationals including Josh Adams, Taulupe Faletau, Leigh Halfpenny and Alex Mann, as well as South Africans, scrumhalf Johan Mulder, and centre Cornel Smith who joined last season from the Bulls.

The WRU has been seeking a buyer for Cardiff since assuming control of the club after it entered administration in April 2025. At a board meeting on 19 January, the WRU unanimously backed Y11 as the preferred bidder, with both parties now entering a 60-day exclusivity period to finalise the terms of the agreement and complete due diligence.

“Our priority remains to support both teams and keep everyone informed of the progress being made,” the WRU said in a statement. “The other bidder has now been informed of the council’s decision and thanked for his interest and participation in the process.”

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According to the WRU, Y11 was chosen on the basis of offering the strongest long-term financial future for Cardiff. The union highlighted the group’s access to investment capital and its commitment to protecting the Cardiff brand, heritage and identity.

If the takeover is completed, Cardiff will continue to play at Cardiff Arms Park and retain its status as an independent club, despite the shared ownership structure.

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Photo: @Cardiff_Rugby/X