Why the Ospreys' Move to Brewery Field Could Ignite a Rugby Renaissance for Bridgend Ravens
Image Credit: Marc
There is a lot of excitement around rugby in Bridgend right now. In a town which has a rich history in the sport, it's fantastic to see. The main reason for the hype is the Osprey's potential move to the Brewery Field. Bridgend's famous ground was full to the brim with passionate fans. Now, that the Bridgend Ravens will be playing in the new Super Rygbi Crymru, there are even more reasons for the club to be excited about the future. The Ravens, who have been a fixture in the Welsh Premiership for many years and are the most successful team in Bridgend, need to capitalise on all the Ospreys hype at the moment. There is an obvious love for the game in the town, and it would be fantastic to see the Ravens grow.
Bridgend And Rugby
Bridgend is a town rich with rugby history. Even today, many teams and competitive clubs compete in the county. Teams such as Bridgend Athletic, Pencoed, and Tondu all have great setups and strong followings. Many of the Welsh rugby greats have come from Bridgend. In the past, teams such as Australia and New Zealand have journeyed down to the town as part of tours. One of the more memorable games was against the All Blacks in 1978. The game ended in a 17-6 win for New Zealand, but that wasn't what the game is known for. Legend JPR Williams got busted wide open when a New Zealand player, John Ashworth, stamped on his head. Williams was done for the day, only to return 15 minutes later. The Brewery Field was home to the Celtic Warriors, a former region. If the Osprey's move to Bridgend, it will add to the town's legacy with the sport. Yet, the Ravens' often get overlooked when talking about rugby in Bridgend.
The Ospreys Hype
There is a lot of hype around the idea of the Ospreys coming to the Brewery Field for the 2025/26 season. The Ospreys have made the decision to leave the Swansea.com Stadium and are looking to move to a smaller ground to create a more intimate atmosphere and a better experience for fans. The Brewery Field and St Helens in Swansea are the two potential locations. The Ospreys have already held two games at the Brewery Field, welcoming Cardiff Rugby and Sale Sharks to the historic ground. Stands were packed with enthusiastic rugby fans, demonstrating the market for the game in the town. The Ravens should do all they can to capitalise on the hype the Ospreys have created.
Bridgend Ravens
The Ravens have been a fixture in the Welsh Premiership for many years now. They are the most successful team in Bridgend, having consistently performed well in the league. Last season, they finished in 9th place, maintaining a consistent mid-table position. However, what is exciting about this upcoming season is they are going to be a part of the new Super Rygbi Cymru league, which kicks off in September. The hope is that the quality of rugby will be higher, attracting more people to local games. It is safe to say that it is an exciting time for rugby in Bridgend, and the Ravens, with their past successes and potential for the upcoming season, need to do all they can to make the most of it.