No Y11 derby but rivalries resume in Cardiff

Ospreys last played Cardiff at the Arms Park in January 2025 [Huw Evans Picture Agency] It might no longer be the "Y11 derby" but there is still plenty at stake when Cardiff host Ospreys in the United Rugby Championship (URC) Welsh derby on Friday night (19:00 BST). There has been drama this week concerning the two sides when the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) announced its controversial plan of selling Cardiff to Ospreys owners, Y11 Sport & Media, had fallen through. That happened just 48 hours before the two sides face each other in a crucial league game.

On Friday night the focus will be on-field matters, with Cardiff aiming to keep their play-off dreams alive and Ospreys trying to stop them. So some good old-fashioned Welsh rivalry on the pitch played in front of a near capacity crowd in Cardiff. Rather than dealing with tiresome and continual Welsh chaotic rugby politics off the field.

Even if it is just for a couple of hours. Tierney outlines latest plan for Welsh rugby Cardiff aim to keep play-off dreams alive Cardiff are hoping to improve the ninth place finish in the 2024-25 United Rugby Championship table [Huw Evans Picture Agency] Cardiff's remarkable comeback win against the Scarlets has kept Corniel van Zyl's side in the top half of the table in seventh place. Seven points separate the teams placed between second and ninth in the battle for the top eight spots, with three league matches remaining.

After starting the season strongly with five wins from their first six matches, Cardiff have won just two of their past five league games. Ospreys will become the latest Welsh side to try and scupper Cardiff's hopes and complete the league double after winning in Bridgend on New Year's Day. Cardiff have beaten Ospreys just once in their past five meetings and Ospreys have not lost against the Blue and Blacks at the Arms Park since August 2007.