Cardiff taken over by Welsh Rugby Union after entering administration
Club has produced more international players than any other Welsh team
10 April 2025 - 15:03
byShifa Jahan
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The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has assumed control of Cardiff Rugby after the club was placed temporarily in administration, the WRU said in a statement on Wednesday.
Formed in 1876 and inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame in 2011, Cardiff is the biggest of four professional clubs in the principality and has produced more Wales and British & Irish Lions internationals than any other Welsh team.
The administrators sold the club’s business and assets to the WRU after owners Helford Capital, which secured an 84.5% stake in 2024, failed to meet its funding obligations.
Players and staff are not affected by the takeover, the WRU said. Fixtures will go ahead as planned for the 2025-26 season and prepaid season tickets and sponsorship commitments will be honoured.
“It is unthinkable for us to allow the demise of professional rugby in the Welsh capital and there has been no hesitation ... as we quickly moved to pull a rescue package together,” WRU CEO Abi Tierney said in a statement.
“In the coming months we will be seeking investors who wish to play their part in ensuring this is achieved and Cardiff returns to the top table of club rugby.”
Cardiff play Ospreys in the United Rugby Championship on April 19 at the Millennium Stadium at Cardiff.
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
Cardiff taken over by Welsh Rugby Union after entering administration
Club has produced more international players than any other Welsh team
Bengaluru
The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has assumed control of Cardiff Rugby after the club was placed temporarily in administration, the WRU said in a statement on Wednesday.
Formed in 1876 and inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame in 2011, Cardiff is the biggest of four professional clubs in the principality and has produced more Wales and British & Irish Lions internationals than any other Welsh team.
The administrators sold the club’s business and assets to the WRU after owners Helford Capital, which secured an 84.5% stake in 2024, failed to meet its funding obligations.
Players and staff are not affected by the takeover, the WRU said. Fixtures will go ahead as planned for the 2025-26 season and prepaid season tickets and sponsorship commitments will be honoured.
“It is unthinkable for us to allow the demise of professional rugby in the Welsh capital and there has been no hesitation ... as we quickly moved to pull a rescue package together,” WRU CEO Abi Tierney said in a statement.
“In the coming months we will be seeking investors who wish to play their part in ensuring this is achieved and Cardiff returns to the top table of club rugby.”
Cardiff play Ospreys in the United Rugby Championship on April 19 at the Millennium Stadium at Cardiff.
Reuters
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