-Credit:Huw Evans Picture Agency
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 west Wales derby against arch rivals the Scarlets.
Booth has been a huge success since joining the Ospreys in 2020, ensuring they punched above their weight in some difficult circumstances, while he led them to the United Rugby Championship play-offs last season.
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But the Ospreys have struggled for form this season and suffered a humiliating 59-15 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.
The full statement from the Ospreys reads: “Ospreys Rugby can confirm that 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.”
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 languising third from bottom in the URC.
At the start of the season the Ospreys, led by CEO Lance Bradley, announced Booth would be stepping down at the end of the current season with defence coach Jones taking over. But the coaching change has been made six months earlier than planned.