A new old home for Ospreys side fighting for a future

The Ospreys are returning to St Helen’s in Swansea after 20 years away, with the ground set to host its first United Rugby Championship match when they play the Dragons on Saturday. The move brings the team back to a historic Welsh sporting venue, but also comes as its future is uncertain: the Welsh Rugby Union plans to cut the number of professional men’s teams from four to three.

The redevelopment has been completed at speed, but St Helen’s remains unfinished, with temporary stands, changing rooms and facilities in place while permanent work continues. The Ospreys have trained on the artificial pitch and say it is ready to use; work on the stands could carry on for another year or two. Unlike their former 20,000-plus-capacity home, the smaller ground is expected to bring supporters closer to the action.