Ospreys and Scarlets have yet to sign the WRU’s new PRA deal

The Ospreys chief executive did, however, admit redevelopment work will continue after the team begins the new campaign.

“It will continue at some point afterwards,” he added, “but it will be complete for what we need for the season before the first game.”

Also speaking on Radio Wales Breakfast, Swansea City Council leader Rob Stewart denied suggestions the relationship between the rugby club and the local authority had been strained over recent months.

“We’ve been good partners all through this process and actually trying to get sense and clarity out of the WRU all through this,” he said.

“We’ve had to navigate some really difficult times, a process which we’ve challenged legally and still stand ready to take legal action to the courts if necessary because of the way in which the WRU has chosen to move forward.

“This unfair process that the WRU commenced we still believe is one I think that is now dead in the water and ourselves, the Ospreys, Lance can move forward now with redeveloping the ground so that the fans in Swansea and south west Wales can come and enjoy first class rugby at St Helen’s.”