The Summer of 2003 Was One of Change

The game had gone professional shortly before the turn of the century and Wales was getting left behind. A small playing base was being spread too thinly between the ten top-flight clubs and the national team were struggling to make an impact. Change was radically needed. For the 2003/04 season, a new regional entity was created, merging two former giants of the Welsh domestic game, Neath RFC and Swansea RFC. Sworn rivals of old, separated by just nine miles, but worlds apart.

Silverware came as soon as the end of the second season when the new entity was crowned Celtic League champions for the first time in 2005.

It was a year that was to prove to be a turning point for the region. Just two months after winning the league title, the region had a new home. Moving into the state of the art, 20,520 capacity Liberty Stadium, a £27 million purpose-built facility shared with Swansea City FC.

2006 saw the Ospreys become the first region to defeat a major touring international side when Australia were beaten at a sold out Liberty Stadium, followed by a second league title. More silverware followed a year later when the Ospreys became the first Welsh region to win at Twickenham, thumping English giants Leicester Tigers to claim the EDF Cup.

They were again setting new standards in 2010 when victory over Leinster in Dublin saw them become the first team to win three Celtic League titles.

A change of coach in early 2012 saw Ospreys ‘original’ Steve Tandy taking charge of the team and within months he had delivered a fourth league title to the region, Shane Williams scoring a dramatic late try on his last ever appearance which was converted by Dan Biggar as the Ospreys again upset the odds in Dublin, defeating the newly crowned European champions by a single point.

The future plans for the One True Region...

The biggest success that the Ospreys have enjoyed since 2003 has arguably come off the pitch. Despite being a business that is focused on the development of local talent, and proudly represents its local community, the Ospreys have, in a very short period of time, grown to become one of the most globally recognisable sporting brands, thanks in no small part to the distinctive and innovative 'mask' logo. The Ospreys jersey has established itself has something of a sales phenomenon and is now the second highest selling club shirt in European rugby, so the strength of the Ospreys brand is clear to see.

Not only leading the way in Wales, the forward thinking and innovative outlook at the Ospreys has seen a number of far reaching initiatives taking the business into new markets. New partnerships across Europe and into the developing rugby markets in the Middle and Far East have allowed the Ospreys to reach out into untapped territory, opening doors and providing exciting and opportunities to be exploited in conjunction with business partners that are unrivalled in rugby. It is this combination of innovative thinking on and off the field, and the ability to consider both the local and global perspective that has allowed the Ospreys to not only confound the critics back in to 2003 but to thrive and become a leading rugby organisation.

What is the ospreys hub?

Ospreys HUB aims to develop the community game within our region by hosting up to date session plans, innovative design graphics and videos. Our purpose is to support everyone involved in community rugby within the region by providing high quality rugby programmes and guidance along with Coaching points and tips from Ospreys rugby staff and other industry professionals.

Our coaches are passionate and will inspire, empower, and develop young people in a demanding but enjoyable environment. Ospreys in the community has long-standing and positive working relationship with local schools, clubs, colleges, and universities, and offers opportunities beyond playing rugby. Also teaching the value's of the Ospreys the importance of responsibility, self-discipline, and respect, both for themselves, for each other, and for the game. In doing so, we set a high standard for integrity, honesty, and performance.

Bwriad Academi’r Gweilch yw datblygu athletwyr rygbi elitaidd â’r gallu i gystadlu ar y lefel uchaf. Ein pwrpas yw cefnogi chwaraewyr o’r rhanbarth drwy ddarparu rhaglenni rygbi ac arweiniad ar lwybrau ar hyd ein grwpiau a charfannau ieuenctid, wrth dderbyn hyfforddiant gan hyfforddwyr proffesiynol.

Mae ein hyfforddwyr yn angerddol a bydden nhw yn ysbrydoli, grymuso, a datblygu pobl ifanc mewn awyrgylch heriol ond hwyl.Mae perthynas gweithio bositif iawn rhwng Academi’r Gweilch ag ysgolion, clybiau, colegau, a phrifysgolion eisoes, gan gynnig cyfleoedd tu hwnt i chwarae rygbi.Rydym yn darparu rhaglen gystadleuol wedi ei deilwra i bob unigolyn, ac rydym yn adolygu perfformiad yn gyson yn seiliedig ar hyfforddi a gemau. Rydym hefyd yn pwysleisio gwerth cyfrifoldeb, hunanddisgyblaeth, a pharch tuag at eu hunain a thuag at y gêm. Wrth wneud hyn, rydym yn gosod safon uchel ar gyfer uniondeb, gonestrwydd, a pherfformiad.Mae perthynas gweithio bositif iawn rhwng Academi’r Gweilch ag ysgolion, clybiau, colegau, a phrifysgolion eisoes, gan gynnig cyfleoedd tu hwnt i chwarae rygbi.