Ospreys have announced their new stadium will be based at St Helen’s in Swansea, with the Welsh region hoping to move in time for the start of the 2025-26 season.
Ospreys say the move will involve a “multi-million pound investment” in St Helen’s, which will include the installation of a 4G pitch and new stands.
The rugby side have opted for the Swansea venue rather than Bridgend’s Brewery Field, which had also been in the running after they opted to leave their long-time Swansea.com Stadium home.
Ospreys said in a statement they feel “privileged to have the opportunity to make our home at the ground where Wales played their first ever international rugby match in 1882”.
“The move to St Helen’s not only keeps us close to the majority of our supporter and sponsor bases, but also allows us to work with the City and County of Swansea Council to inject new life into the famous St Helen’s Sports Ground,” the statement added.
“Our multi-million pound investment in the site will see the installation of a new 4G pitch, new stands, a refurbishment of the club house, and the introduction of a new fan zone area.
“The aim is to provide supporters with an unrivalled match day experience and develop new opportunities for non-matchday events and revenue.”
Ospreys have largely ground-shared with football club Swansea City at the 21,000-capacity Swansea.com Stadium since 2005, with the team having formed in 2003 as the Neath-Swansea Ospreys.
But Ospreys chief executive Lance Bradley announced in January the region would be leaving for a smaller venue.