Ospreys CEO Lance Bradley steps down after two-and-a-half years at the helm

Lance Bradley has stepped down as Ospreys chief executive after two-and-a-half years in the role, the Welsh region confirmed on Tuesday. His replacement has yet to be announced.

Bradley arrived at the Swansea-based club in January 2024 during a period of considerable uncertainty, both on and off the field. During his tenure, the Ospreys secured a permanent return to St Helen’s, strengthened their financial position, and recorded their best season ticket sales in more than a decade ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

“There’s a saying in rugby that you always want to leave the shirt in a better place than you found it,” Bradley said in a statement. “Despite an incredibly challenging last 12 months, I feel I’ve done that with Ospreys.”

Bradley pointed to the state of the club when he joined as context for what he considered a meaningful turnaround. “When I joined in 2024 we had no stadium, our finances were in poor shape and although we had a loyal hardcore of fans, their numbers were dwindling,” he said. “Next season we move into our own stadium at St Helen’s, our finances are looking better than ever, and season ticket sales are already by far the best they’ve been for more than a decade.”

He also highlighted progress on the playing side, describing it as “developing nicely” and referencing the Ospreys’ status as Wales’ most successful region.

In a brief statement, the club thanked Bradley for his contribution. “Ospreys Rugby wishes to put on record its thanks to Lance for what he’s achieved in his tenure as CEO,” the club said. “We will make an announcement on his replacement in due course.”

Bradley’s exit comes at a moment of cautious optimism for the region, with the long-awaited move to St Helen’s set to mark a new chapter for the club going into next season.