Cardiff set to go into administration, WRU prepare for takeover

Welsh Rugby is set for another body blow with Cardiff Rugby, one of the oldest names in the sport, set to declare their intention to go into administration and the Welsh Rugby Union in line for a takeover.

Cardiff’s players, coaches and staff were called into an emergency meeting with chief executive Richard Holland on Tuesday afternoon, who gave them the grim news.

Cardiff, whose major shareholder is investment group Helford Capital Limited, has served a notice of intent (NOI) to appoint an administrator, and the WRU will give support initially taking on the day-to-day running of the club.

An NOI is a document filed at court stating a company’s intention to appoint administrators to save the business from liquidation.

Helford Capital Limited, which completed its takeover of Cardiff in January 2024, will relinquish its 84.55 per cent shareholding to the WRU, which will prevent them from going out of business like English clubs Worcester, Wasps, and London Irish.

“We are aware Cardiff Rugby have confirmed notice of intention to appoint administrators, and we are working closely with the Cardiff Board and the administrators to safeguard the future of professional rugby in Cardiff,” said the WRU.

Ironically, the news comes just as the WRU prepare to unveil its new Professional Rugby Agreement with the four Welsh Regions as part of the “One Wales” strategy through until 2029.

The WRU wants Cardiff, the Dragons, the Ospreys and the Scarlets to be businesses with private investment, and it’s not known how this latest development will affect that strategy.

Cardiff’s administration is the latest kick in the teeth for the game in Wales, where the national team have lost a record 17 successive Tests and picked up the Wooden Spoon for finishing bottom of the Six Nations two seasons running.

Cardiff, who have won the European Challenge Cup twice in 2010 and 2018, are currently ninth in the URC table with 36 points from 14 games and are next in action when they face the Ospreys on Saturday week.