Future looking positive for Ospreys - boss Jones

Mark Jones joined Ospreys' coaching staff in 2023 [Huw Evans Picture Agency]

Head coach Mark Jones believes the future is looking brighter for Ospreys after their owners pulled out of a bid to buy Cardiff.

The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) confirmed on Wednesday that Y11 Sport & Media, chosen as preferred bidder in January, had withdrawn its offer for the Arms Park club.

Ospreys, along with Scarlets, are now set to sign a new Professional Rugby Agreement (PRA) that Cardiff and Dragons are already on.

That deal runs to 2030, but the WRU has the option to serve a two-year notice period and intends to press on with their plan to cut from four professional clubs to three.

Nonetheless, Jones is relieved that his club is at least able to plan to 2028.

"It's positive news for Welsh rugby in general, not just the Ospreys," said the former Wales wing.

"With limited information at the moment, the outlook is certainly looking a lot more positive over the next couple of seasons.

"If everything is signed off then we get some security around all areas of the agreement for another season on top of next year.

"That definitely helps around staffing, player recruitment, retention and general morale. It's a big help for everybody."

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Ospreys, who will move to St Helen's in Swansea next season after playing at Bridgend's Brewery Field in 2025-26, have had to perform amid uncertainty throughout the campaign.

Jones kept his squad informed about the impending developments around Y11's Cardiff takeover and was able to deliver confirmation at training.

"Sometimes me and other staff members have had to deliver not such positive news and you are always worried about how it's going to affect the group," he said.