Ospreys and Toby Booth to part ways with ex-Wales duo taking over the coaching reins

David Skippers 07 Sep 2024 9:48 AM

The Ospreys have announced that they are set to part ways with their head coach Toby Booth at the end of the upcoming season with their current defence coach Mark Jones replacing him while Justin Tipuric step into Jones’ position.

Tipuric, who currently plies his trade with the Welsh region as a back-row and who represented Wales in 93 internationals and also won two Test caps for the British & Irish Lions, will bring his playing career to an end at the end of the upcoming campaign.

Made a big impact at the Ospreys

Booth has been in the position of head coach four the past four years and has made a big impact during his time with the Ospreys, guiding them through some of their most transformative years.

He joined the region at one of their lowest points and has transformed the Ospreys into a competitive unit. Under his guidance, the reached the play-offs in two tournaments last season, including their first European play-off victory.

Booth also handed debuts to 15 Ospreys academy players and the team also has 10 new Welsh internationals, with two of them having captained their country.

The Ospreys can also boast the title as Wales’ best United Rugby Championship team as they have a 70 per cent win or draw record in Welsh derbies.

Although he is set to leave the Ospreys at the end of the 2024/25 campaign, Booth is delighted with what he has achieved during his stint with the Welsh reigion.

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“I came here four years ago with a very definite project, and I’m leaving because it’s the right time and there’s a natural succession in place,” he said.

“Sometimes it’s about timing, and I think the time is right for the group.

“I also think the time is right for me to move onto something a little different. I’ve got a lot of energy and excitement to do that. I’m immensely proud of the people and the individuals that are effectively my team.”

Meanwhile, defence coach Jones is looking forward to taking over the coaching reins from Booth at the start of the 2025/26 season.

‘The privilege of coaching the Ospreys is not lost on me’

“I am really excited about this opportunity,” said Jones. “The privilege of coaching the Ospreys is not lost on me. Toby has been excellent at allowing me to develop in the role I’m currently in and giving me great autonomy.

“My dovetailing with Richard, Duncan, the S&C staff, the analytical staff, and the medical staff—those relationships have just grown. I’m excited to take those relationships forward and hopefully add to what has been a really good Ospreys tenure.”

Highly rated openside flanker Tipuric is excited to make the transition from player to defence coach at the end of the upcoming campaign with the Ospreys.

“I am really looking forward to it,” he revealed. “I’ve coached throughout my career, so it was something I was really excited to do after playing.

“The most exciting part for me is going into the coaching group and learning all the time. From when I first started playing to now at the end of my playing career, I feel like I’ve always learned something new every day at the Ospreys. I’m looking forward to continuing that when I go into coaching.”

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