The WRU has completed its takeover of Cardiff Rugby, after the region was briefly placed into adminstration.
The Arms Park club, trading as Cardiff Rugby Ltd, says the move came after it emerged its owners were unable to meet their funding obligatons as they were contractually obliged to do so.
Helford Capital, an investment firm led by businessmen Phil Kempe and Neal Griffith, became majority shareholders after acquiring an 84.55% stake in January 2024.
A notice of intent was made on Tuesday to appoint administrators, and within 24 hours, the Welsh Rugby Union stepped in to buy the club and its assets.
Club activity was temporarily halted ahead of the WRU's announcement - with training cancelled on Tuesday as players and staff, including head coach Matt Sherratt, were called to an emergency meeting.
The annual Varsity rugby matches, which were due to be held at the Arms Park, had to be moved next door to the Principality Stadium at the last minute, due to what organisers called "exceptional circumstances".
Cardiff Rugby chair Alun Jones, who has now left his role, said: "We are incredibly grateful to the Welsh Rugby Union for securing our financial stability and ensuring professional rugby continues in Cardiff as we approach our 150th season."
“The priority has been securing our staff, the future of the club and the rugby pathway in the capital city and wider region.”
The region says players and staff won't be affected by the sale and its remaining fixtures for the season will be fulfilled with all matchday & season tickets remaining valid.
Prepaments for season tickets next season will be honoured, along with existing sponsorship arrangments paid for in advance.
Amid wider turmoil within Welsh rugby on and off the pitch, WRU chief executive Abi Tierney insisted the takeover would not derail its plans to "chart the rise of the pro-game".
"We have been keeping in close contact with the Cardiff Rugby board for several months once they became aware of the risks to anticipated shareholder funding not being available. As a result, the WRU has been able to move quickly to provide support for Cardiff,” said Tierney.
"Players, staff and supporters can be assured that professional rugby will continue at Cardiff Arms Park. Cardiff has always been a major contributor to our player pathway and is critical to the success of our One Wales strategy both on and off the field."
But Tierney also suggested that the WRU's takeover was only a temporary solution - with the governing body looking to eventually transfer the region into the hands of private owners.
“In the coming months, we will be actively seeking investors who wish to play their part in ensuring this is achieved and Cardiff returns to the top table of club rugby.”
“It is unthinkable for us to allow the demise of professional rugby in the Welsh capital and there has been no hesitation for the WRU as we quickly moved to pull a rescue package together.”
Cardiff, the largest of the four professional teams in Wales, supports seven clubs in the Vale of Glamorgan, including Barry, Penarth, Old Penarthians, Cowbridge, Llantwit Major, Dinas Powys and Sully Sports.
That includes six mini and junior sections, a women's team at Old Penarthians and one girls hub (Barry RFC Islanders).
“Our first concerns are with the players, staff and supporters,” added Tierney.
“Cardiff has always produced players for our pathway and is critical to the success of our One Wales strategy in terms of player development.”
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