Ospreys coach departs with immediate effect

NEWS: Toby Booth has left the Ospreys with immediate effect with Mark Jones taking over as head coach.

The 54-year-old was due to leave the Ospreys at the end of the season but instead, he will leave the Welsh club just four days before a crucial Wales derby against arch-rivals the Scarlets.

Mark Jones will assume the role of head coach with immediate effect, supported by the current coaching staff and management.

Booth joined the Ospreys as head coach in 2020. During his tenure, he led the team to significant achievements, including winning the United Rugby Championship Welsh Shield in the 2021/22 and 2023/24 seasons.

He also guided the Ospreys to the EPCR Challenge Cup quarterfinals and the URC play-offs in the 2023/24 season.

However, Ospreys have struggled for form this season and suffered a humiliating 15-59 defeat to Montpellier in the Challenge Cup on Saturday, a record defeat in Europe.

Former Wales wing Jones will take up the helm earlier than expected with Justin Tipuric set to become the defence coach when he hangs up his boots at the end of the season.

This is the second coaching change at a Welsh club this season after the Dragons parted ways with Dai Flanagan. The Ospreys have only won three times this season and are languishing third from bottom in the URC.