URC: Ospreys 24-24 Lions – Welsh sides share spoils after traumatic week

Ospreys are currently playing out of Bridgend this season where a crowd of 4,052 turned out to watch in wet and windy conditions.

Fans were asked to light their phone torches on 11 minutes as a message to say “they will not ignore the disgraceful treatment of Ospreys players, staff, and supporters.”

The crowd obliged and there were resounding boos directed towards rugby bosses.

Ospreys staff had been in tears this week not knowing what the future holds and that frustration was shared by the fans.

Lynne Jones, of Ospreys Supporters Club said she feels let down by the WRU and Y11.

“I’m emotional, angry and upset, it’s devastating,” she told BBC Wales Today.

“The silence from the WRU – it’s not on.”

Sarah Collins-Davies, chair of the Ospreys Supporters Club added: “It’s been an emotional week for the supporters, but I can’t imagine how difficult it has been for the players and coaches.

Ospreys supporter Annette Davies says she is fearful for the future with so many unanswered questions.

“There has to be clarity,” said Davies.

“We’re told there will be an Ospreys side next season – what does that mean? Are we ending next season? Are we even going to have the players to have a season, because we have a lot of players out of contract.

“Who’s going to want to sign for us? Knowing they might not be here at the end of that following season.”

The Ospreys have produced Wales and British and Irish Lions internationals like Alun Wyn Jones, Dan Biggar, Adam Jones, Shane Williams and Justin Tipuric and attracted star names like Justin Marshall, Tommy Bowe, Jerry Collins, Marty Holah and Ryan Jones.

They are the most successful Welsh team in terms of silverware since the inception of regional rugby in 2003, although their last trophy was won in 2012.

An illustrious past. But what an uncertain future looks like, remains to be seen.