Bradley to Leave Ospreys After Two and a Half Years
Lance Bradley is set to leave his role as chief executive of the Ospreys rugby region after serving for two and a half years. The 61-year-old joined the Swansea-based club from Gloucester in January 2024 and has led the team through a challenging period in Welsh rugby.
"There's a saying in rugby that you always want to leave the shirt in a better place than you found it," said Bradley.
"Despite an incredibly challenging last 12 months, I feel I've done that with Ospreys."
Bradley’s leadership coincided with ongoing disputes between Wales’ four professional regions and the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU), which has plans to reduce the number of professional sides by cutting one team. During his tenure, the club also ended its tenancy at Swansea.com Stadium and, after a season playing at Bridgend, will relocate to the newly developed St Helen's ground in Swansea for the next season.
"When I joined in 2024 we had no stadium, our finances were in poor shape and although we had a loyal hardcore of fans, their numbers were dwindling," Bradley added.
"Next season we move into our own stadium at St Helen's, our finances are looking better than ever, and season ticket sales are already by far the best they've been for more than a decade."
Bradley expressed gratitude to those connected with the club, stating:
"I want to thank everyone at, and associated with, Ospreys for their friendship and support. The most important part of any rugby club, its playing side, is developing nicely – building on our status as Wales' most successful region."
Ospreys Acknowledge Bradley’s Contributions
In an official statement, Ospreys Rugby extended their thanks to Bradley for his achievements during his time as CEO. The club, owned by Y11 Sport & Media, indicated that an announcement regarding his successor will be made in due course.
Background and Challenges During Bradley’s Tenure
Bradley was appointed to the role after four years at Kingsholm. His 30 months at the helm have been marked by efforts to steer the club through uncertain times amid WRU’s proposed restructuring of professional rugby in Wales.
In January 2026, Ospreys’ owners Y11 entered negotiations with the WRU to purchase Cardiff Rugby, which had been under WRU control since entering administration the previous April. This move raised questions about the future of the Swansea-based club. However, the proposed acquisition ultimately did not proceed.
In June, Ospreys signed a new Professional Rugby Agreement (PRA) with the WRU, ending a prolonged standoff, though uncertainty persists as the agreement is set to expire at the end of the 2027-28 season.
Bradley also managed the club’s relocation from Swansea.com Stadium, which they had shared with Swansea City football club since the 2005-06 season. For the 2025-26 season, Ospreys played home matches at the Brewery Field in Bridgend before returning to Swansea to play at the refurbished St Helen's Stadium for the 2026-27 season.
Team Performance and Coaching Changes
During Bradley’s initial months, the Ospreys reached the quarter-finals of the United Rugby Championship (URC) play-offs. However, subsequent seasons saw the team finish 12th and 11th respectively.
In December 2024, head coach Toby Booth unexpectedly departed the club and was succeeded by former Wales wing Mark Jones.
This summer, the club experienced the departure of several high-profile players, including Wales captains Jac Morgan and Dewi Lake, both of whom will join Gloucester, Bradley’s former club, for the upcoming season.
