![\"CARDIFF,](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/0_GettyImages-2240445713.jpg\")
Cardiff Rugby are the subject of Hollywood interest.(Image: (Photo by Huw Fairclough\/Getty Images))<\/p>\nThe deadline for any potential buyers for Cardiff Rugby has arrivedCardiff Rugby are the subject of Hollywood interest.(Image: (Photo by Huw Fairclough\/Getty Images))<\/p>\n
Friday is the deadline to submit bids to buy Cardiff Rugby from the Welsh Rugby Union, with the outcome likely to affect the structure of Wales\u2019 professional game in Wales.<\/p>\n
Six parties submitted an expression of interest earlier on this year but the final bids have to be in by Friday. The WRU board will then consider each bid with a final decision expected early in 2026 at the latest.<\/p>\n
One interested party has already revealed itself in the form of a consortium headed up by former Cardiff<\/a> director Martyn Ryan and Rhino CEO Reg Clarke which includes three Hollywood producers.<\/a><\/p>\n British-born producer Gareth West, whose credits include the film Ferrari, has partnered with Mark Williams, best known for producing the critically acclaimed Netflix series Ozark and hit movies The Accountant 1 & 2, in the bold move.<\/p>\n They are joined by Danish executive Niels Juul, known for his work on major Hollywood productions such as Silence, The Irishman and Killers of the Flower Moon.<\/p>\n As part of ambitious plans to propel the club back into the upper echelons of European rugby they wish to create a scripted TV series based on Cardiff Rugby.<\/p>\n Cardiff have been owned by the WRU since the club entered administration in April which ignited a chain of events that will radically alter the face of the professional game in Wales.<\/p>\n The WRU are planning to reduce the number of professional clubs in Wales from four to three by 2027 at the latest and the new owners of Cardiff could determine who the three teams are.<\/p>\n When the WRU announced its intention to cut a team, Richard Collier-Keywood said it was possible the owners of one of the other three clubs could buy Cardiff.<\/p>\n There has been widespread speculation that the Ospreys<\/a>‘ majority shareholders Y11 Sports & Media could bid to buy the club but this has not been confirmed.<\/p>\n However, that did not stop Cardiff Rugby’s supporters trust CF10 from issuing a statement saying it would not support Y11 buying the club.<\/a><\/p>\n If Y11 were to buy Cardiff they would not be able to own two clubs which is a potential way to reach reduce to three teams by consensus and preventing a long tender process.<\/p>\n “This \u201csolution\u201d cannot be seriously considered,” said a CF10 statement last week.<\/p>\n “It has already been made clear by our Trust and by the other supporters groups that no mergers are desired and that the bulk of our members would not support such a team.<\/p>\n “We have no desire to be seen as a club that only survived at the expense of another club.<\/p>\n “The anger and contempt that would be directed at such a group would also be directed at our club.<\/p>\n “Quite understandably. We do not wish to see our club dragged through the mud in this way.”<\/p>\n The successful bidder for Cardiff are expected to assume control by next summer in what will be a very different landscape for Welsh rugby.<\/p>\n Follow all of our channels to ensure you stay up to date with the latest Welsh rugby news. Sign up to our<\/strong> free daily newsletter here<\/strong><\/a> and our <\/strong>WhatsApp channel here<\/strong><\/a> for all the breaking news.<\/strong><\/p>\n You can also follow us on social media on our <\/strong>X account<\/strong><\/a>, <\/strong>Facebook<\/strong><\/a>,<\/strong> Instagram<\/strong><\/a> and<\/strong> TikTok.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n For more exclusive stories and in-depth analysis, you can <\/strong>sign up for the Inside Welsh Rugby substack newsletter here.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n