Ospreys

The Ospreys were formed in 2003 through a merger of Swansea RFC and Neath RFC, two of the most historic clubs in Welsh rugby. From the outset the region drew on a rich talent pool from west Wales and quickly established themselves as the dominant force in Welsh regional rugby. Under coaches like Lyn Jones and Steve Tandy, the Ospreys won four Pro12 titles between 2006 and 2012, a record unmatched by any other Welsh region and a testament to the quality of player development and coaching at the club.

The Ospreys produced a remarkable number of Welsh internationals during their golden era, including Shane Williams, Ryan Jones, Alun Wyn Jones, and Justin Tipuric — players who went on to become Lions and World Cup participants. Alun Wyn Jones in particular became one of the most capped players in rugby history while representing the Ospreys for almost his entire career. The region continues to develop Welsh talent and compete in the United Rugby Championship, maintaining their status as one of the most important clubs in Welsh rugby. In 2026 the WRU confirmed that Wales will move to three professional teams from 2028–29, with the Ospreys and Scarlets in contention for the single western licence.

Black and white — the Ospreys' colours are clean, bold, and distinctive within Welsh rugby. The combination was chosen at the region's formation in 2003 and has become synonymous with the most successful era in Welsh regional rugby. The black shirt with white detailing gives the Ospreys an identity that stands apart from the red of the Welsh national team and the other Welsh regions, reflecting the club's ambition to forge its own identity in the professional game.

The Ospreys' kits have been produced by various manufacturers across their history, with each iteration maintaining the core black and white identity. The home black shirt is now worn at St Helen's, the historic seafront ground in Swansea that became the Ospreys' home for the 2026–27 season. Every Ospreys kit carries the legacy of four Pro12 titles and a fanbase that stretches across Swansea, Neath, and the surrounding communities of west Wales.