WRU assumes ownership of Cardiff

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

The Wales’ capital city side 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.

Following the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), the administrator sold the club’s business and assets to the WRU.

According to the WRU 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 says prepayments for 2025-26 season tickets will be honoured, as will existing sponsorship arrangements that have been paid for in advance.

WRU CEO Abi Tierney confirms the governing body will take over Cardiff, recognising its critical importance to the future of Welsh rugby.

Tierney insists the WRU will not be derailed from plans to chart the rise of the pro game under its ‘One Wales’ strategy.

“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,” said Tierney.

“Players, staff, and supporters can be assured that professional rugby will continue at Cardiff Arms Park.

“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.

“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.

“It is unthinkable for us to allow the demise of professional rugby in the Welsh capital and there has been no hesitation for the WRU as we quickly moved to pull a rescue package together.”

🚨 𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 | The Welsh Rugby Union has assumed control of @Cardiff_Rugby after the club’s legal entity – Cardiff Rugby Limited – was placed temporarily into administration.

Full details ▶️ https://t.co/5WfyGwnSG0#WelshRugby pic.twitter.com/DI3uaigwee

— Welsh Rugby Union 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 (@WelshRugbyUnion) April 9, 2025

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

“Our first concerns are with the players, staff, and supporters,” added Tierney.

“Cardiff has always produced players for our pathway and is critical to the success of our One Wales strategy in terms of player development.”

Cardiff chair, Alun Jones, said: “We are incredibly grateful to the WRU for securing our financial stability and ensuring professional rugby continues in Cardiff as we approach our 150th season.”

“The priority has been securing our staff, the future of the club, and the rugby pathway in the capital city and wider region.”