Ospreys Rugby’s plans to move the iconic St Helen’s Sports Ground have reached an important milestone with the agreement of Swansea Council’s ruling cabinet – subject to conditions - to invest in St Helen’s to create a new stadium there. Not only would this be Ospreys’ new home, but it would also provide facilities for community use.
Ospreys are now finalising the proposed layout of the site before submitting the designs for planning approval.
Phase one of the proposed development would see the installation of a new and relocated 4G pitch, refurbishment of the clubhouse and terrace, and the installation of new stands. There would also be a fans’ zone which would provide entertainment before and after matches.
Phase two would see the installation of a state-of-the-art training facility, including gym and office space, plus a training barn. As part of Ospreys’ ambition to make St Helen’s the hub of the community, the barn will also be available for community use. This will not only help nurture local talent, but also give back to the local community.
Ospreys’ CEO, Lance Bradley, was delighted with the news from Swansea Council: “We have been working very closely with the Council on this project, and it’s great that it’s taken an important step closer to coming to fruition. I'm confident that we can meet the conditions the Council have stipulated.
“We remain on course to commence construction of phase one in Spring 2025, with the aim of taking the field by that winter. While that means we’ll be playing our first block of games of the 25/26 season elsewhere, we know it’ll be worth the wait for our supporters. We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone home.
“This redevelopment will also be great news for both Swansea RFC and Swansea University, as they will both be continuing to play games at St Helen’s.”
Rob Stewart, Leader of the Council, said “We have significant ambitions for a sports science park in Swansea, and the Ospreys’ commitment to a long-term future in the city aligns with this.
“We’re working hard with them and others to make these visions come to fruition. There remains work to do, but our discussions with all stakeholders continue to be positive, and I’d like to thank everyone involved for their ongoing work with us.
“The Council is committed to working with Ospreys to achieve their ambition of playing at St Helen’s from the 25/26 season.”
To celebrate this announcement, Ospreys supporters can secure their place for the 2025/26 season with a special offer. Priority booking for a limited number of 25/26 Season Memberships is now available, giving fans the chance to be among the first to claim their place as the Ospreys welcome you home.
Secure your place for the Ospreys 25/26 season at St Helen’s by clicking the button below. Please note, current Season Membership holders, who have already been promised priority, do not need to apply.
Note: Swansea Cricket Club will continue to play at St Helen’s until the end of the 2025 season before moving to a new ground.
FAQs
Construction is on course to start in Spring 2025.
Phase one redevelopment will begin with the clubhouse fan zone and surrounding areas. Work on the stands and new 4G pitch is scheduled to start following Swansea Cricket Club’s final matches of their 150th anniversary season.
Timings for phase two development will be announced at a later date. This will include a new state-of-the-art on-site training facility with an indoor training barn.
Our aim is for the Ospreys to take to the field at St Helen’s by winter 2025.
We’ll play our initial home games of the 25/26 season at alternate venues.
Venues will be confirmed after the 25/26 URC and EPCR fixtures have been announced. We'll then work with both competitions and potential venues to confirm a clear plan before communicating with supporters.
No, current 24/25 Season Members do not need to join the new deposit scheme. They will still be given first priority to membership options at St Helen's for the first 25/26.
The £50 deposit is for non-members to secure their own priority access, which will be behind that of current season members.
The £50 deposit is for Ospreys supporters who are not currently season members.
Supporters who pay their deposit will secure priority access to 25/26 season memberships and will be able to select their seat (or spot on the terrace!) before the public sale. Your deposit payment will be deducted from the cost of a 25/26 season membership.
We've had plenty of interest from supporters about the redevelopment of St Helen's; joining the deposit scheme is your way to support the club through this transition period and make sure you're with us for every step of the journey.
The £50 deposit scheme will be open until 3rd February 2025.
You can pay your deposit and secure your priority access to St Helen's via Ospreys official ticketing partner, Ticketpass. Get yours here.
The £50 deposit will be refundable in limited circumstances.
Refunds will be available until 14 days after purchasers are invited to upgrade to a full 25/26 season membership. After 14 days, the £50 cannot be refunded and can only be used as a credit towards a 25/26 season membership.
Read the deposit terms and conditions here.
