By David Williams
Mark Jones has been handed a daunting first task as the new head coach at the Ospreys – a derby clash against fierce rivals, the Scarlets.
Previous head coach Toby Booth officially stepped down from his role with immediate effect on Tuesday, with defence coach Jones taking over the reins earlier than planned.
The decision comes in the lead-up to a crucial United Rugby Championship (URC) derby clash against the Scarlets on Saturday.
Initially, the club had announced in September that Booth would leave his post at the end of the 2024-25 season, with Jones lined up as his successor. However, the transition has now been accelerated by six months.
Ospreys head coach Toby Booth has left his role with immediate effect with Mark Jones taking charge.#BBCRugby #Ospreys #URC pic.twitter.com/9y2CZLTyOR
— BBC ScrumV (@BBCScrumV) December 17, 2024
The Ospreys’ recent struggles appear to have played a role in the decision. Under Booth, the team have managed only three victories in their opening nine games this season, causing them to slump to 14th place in the URC standings.
Adding to their woes, they suffered a record 59-15 defeat to Montpellier in the EPCR Challenge Cup last weekend.
An official statement from Ospreys Rugby confirmed the move.
It 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.”
Toby Booth leaves the @Ospreys with a win record of 45%. Amongst @ospreys coaches, only Matt Sherratt has a lower win rate. https://t.co/4vAaxtbeS1 pic.twitter.com/qaBVU7nmYA
— Cardiff Rugby Fans (@CRFCFans) December 17, 2024
The timing of Booth’s departure places Jones in charge of a busy period for the Swansea-based region. After Saturday’s clash with Scarlets, the Ospreys face Cardiff on New Year’s Day and will return to European action in January with fixtures against Newcastle and Pau.
Booth, a former Bath and London Irish boss, had overseen some notable successes during his tenure, including back-to-back URC Welsh Shield wins and a place in both the Challenge Cup quarter-finals and URC play-offs last season.
However, the team’s inability to maintain that momentum this campaign has seemingly forced the club’s hand.
This marks the second coaching shake-up in Welsh professional rugby this season. In November, Dragons head coach Dai Flanagan departed, with Filo Tiatia stepping in as interim head coach.