Welsh Rugby Union takes control of Cardiff Rugby

The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has taken control of Cardiff Rugby after the club's legal entity was placed temporarily into administration by its directors.

The development was expected after Wales' capital city side on Tuesday had served a notice of intent (NOI) to appoint an administrator for Cardiff Rugby Limited.

That decision was made once it became clear the club's owner, Helford Capital who secured an 84.5% majority stake in January 2024, was unable to meet its obligations to fund the club as it was contractually obliged to do.

Immediately following the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), the administrator sold the club's business and assets to the WRU.

The WRU say Cardiff players and staff will be unaffected by the sale and fixtures will be fulfilled, with season and match tickets remaining valid.

The governing body of Welsh rugby also say prepayments for 2025-26 season tickets will be honoured, as will existing sponsorship arrangements that have been paid for in advance.

WRU chief executive Abi Tierney says professional rugby needed to be kept in Cardiff.

"Our first concerns are with the players, staff and supporters," said Tierney.

"They can be assured professional rugby will continue at Cardiff Arms Park.

"We have been keeping in close contact with the Cardiff Rugby Board for several months once they became aware of the risks to anticipated shareholder funding not being available.

"As a result, the WRU has been able to move quickly to provide support for Cardiff."

The WRU say Cardiff is the largest of the four professional clubs in Wales, with a regional population containing more clubs and schools than any other.

"It is unthinkable for us to allow the demise of professional rugby in the Welsh capital," said Tierney.

"There has been no hesitation for the WRU as we quickly moved to pull a rescue package together."

Cardiff Rugby chair Alun Jones says "the priority has been securing our staff, the future of the club and the rugby pathway in the capital city and wider region".

"We are incredibly grateful to the Welsh Rugby Union for securing our financial stability and ensuring professional rugby continues in Cardiff as we approach our 150th season," said Jones.

Tierney has indicated this will be a temporary solution with the WRU looking to return Cardiff to private ownership.

"In the coming months we will be actively seeking investors who wish to play their part in ensuring this is achieved and Cardiff returns to the top table of club rugby." said Tierney.

Tierney says the WRU will not be derailed from plans to chart the rise of the professional game in accordance with its 'One Wales' strategy.

Cardiff are among four professionals sides, along with Dragons, Scarlets and Ospreys, who are due to sign a new Professional Rugby Agreement (PRA) that will form part of the WRU's long-term vision for the improvement of the struggling sport in Wales.

"Cardiff has always been a major contributor to our player pathway and is critical to the success of our One Wales strategy both on and off the field," added Tierney.