The Ospreys have criticised the WRU plans – stating that they believe a four-team model remains the way forward – and have had a summer of change.

After spending last season in Bridgend, they will play at a revamped St Helen’s in the 2026-27 campaign thanks to a joint redevelopment venture with Swansea Council.

A first fixture at home is scheduled to be against Dragons in the United Rugby Championship (URC) on 24 October, swiftly followed by another derby against Cardiff.

Ospreys have lost Wales captains Dewi Lake and Jac Morgan to Gloucester but head coach Mark Jones has had a busy recruitment drive.

Wales back Tom Rogers has signed from Scarlets and three Australians have arrived in Liam Wright, Lawson Creighton and Lalakai Foketi, with another move lined up for ex-Wallabies wing Marika Koroibete.

Ospreys played amid uncertainty last season when owners Y11 Sports and Media attempted to take over rivals Cardiff, only for the deal to collapse in April.