Ospreys make a move that suggests there is plenty of life left in them yet

Ospreys have given an indication that they might yet be in existence beyond the end of this season following the appointment on Wednesday of two new directors. 

The region has been embroiled in faction fighting in recent months amid speculation that they club would be merged with another of the Welsh PRO14 regions, namely Scarlets. That row reached an impasse last week when chairman Mike James resigned his position after what he described as "catastrophic mismanagement" by the WRU.

James was quickly replaced by fellow club benefactor Rob Davies, and the Ospreys have now strengthened their hand by asking Ian Morgan, founder and managing director of the Morganstone Group and property development company Westacres, and Nick Revell, managing director of Ledwood Engineering, to take up roles in the boardroom.

The pair had worked closely with the current board across recent months and have now agreed to formalise the arrangement. Ledwood and Morganstone have enjoyed long commercial relationships with the region, with both companies featuring on the Ospreys’ playing kit since 2015.

New chairman Davies said: “It’s excellent news that Ian and Nick, two prominent and successful figures in the Welsh business community with outstanding reputations, have agreed to take a seat in the boardroom.

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“As long term commercial partners of the Ospreys, they understand the rugby, business and political landscapes in which we are operating and bring to the table skillsets which complement each other, and the existing directors.

“With their knowledge and passion for the Ospreys, Ian and Nick will be fantastic assets for the business as we strive to ensure a bright future for this region.”

Morgan said: “It’s important to me for the Ospreys to not only continue to be a strong part of the future of Welsh rugby, but to play a key role in the development of rugby globally as well.

“I have been involved with the Ospreys for a number of years as an avid supporter and main sponsor but now hope to strengthen the board and bring a fresh business approach to help take the region forward into a new era.”