EditorOspreys coach Booth leaves region
Mark Jones will take charge of first-team affairs for Saturday’s encounter.
The former London Irish boss spent four-and-a-half seasons with the Ospreys, reaching the URC play-offs last season where they crashed out in the quarter-finals to Munster.
Ospreys announced in September Booth would be leaving at the end of the 2024-25 season with defence coach Jones promoted to the top job.
The Welsh side, led by chief executive Lance Bradley, championed their succession planning with Booth in charge for a season before his departure but the change has now been made six months earlier than anticipated.
Ospreys have only managed three wins in nine matches this season and have slipped to 14th in the URC table, while Booth’s side suffered a record European 59-15 defeat in the Challenge Cup away against Montpellier last Saturday.
After hosting Scarlets, Ospreys travel to play Cardiff on New Year’s Day with further European fixtures against Newcastle and Pau in January.
Ospreys flanker Justin Tipuric is likely to continue playing this season before retiring and taking over as defence coach for the 2025-26 season.
An Ospreys statement read:
“Ospreys Rugby can confirm Toby Booth has departed from his role as head coach with immediate effect.
“Toby joined the Ospreys as head coach in 2020. During his tenure, he led the team to significant achievements, including winning the URC Welsh Shield in both the 2021-22 and 2023-24 seasons. He also guided the Ospreys to the EPCR Challenge Cup quarter-finals and the URC play-offs in the 2023-24 season.
“Ospreys would like to thank Toby for his commitment and contributions to the club during his time in charge and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.
“Mark Jones will assume the role of head coach with immediate effect, supported by the current coaching staff and management.”
[Lead image: Ospreys Rugby]