The Ospreys are the third United Rugby Championship team to confirm the departure of their head coach during the season.

The Welsh region announced on Tuesday that head coach Toby Booth has left his role with immediate effect with his departure pushed forward.

In September, Booth announced that he would be relinquishing the reins at the end of the 2024/25 season with Mark Jones taking over and Justin Tipuric making the transition from player to coach.

Toby Booth departs ahead of schedule

However, that timeline has been pushed forward with Jones taking charge of the team with immediate effect following the side’s 59-15 defeat to Montpellier.

“Ospreys Rugby can confirm that Toby Booth has departed from his role as head coach with immediate effect,” a club statement read.

“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.

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“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.”

Scarlets first up for Jones

Jones’ first game in charge will be against the Scarlets this weekend in the United Rugby Championship with another Welsh derby against Cardiff following on January 1.

It’s been a challenging start to the new campaign for Ospreys, who reached the URC play-offs last season, as they have won just two of their opening seven matches and are one from two in the Challenge Cup after defeating the Lions on the opening weekend.

Booth becomes the third coach to leave a URC team during the season after Graham Rowntree parted ways with Munster and Dai Flanagan with the Dragons.

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Src: Planetrugby.com - https://www.planetrugby.com/news/toby-booths-departure-pushed-forward-by-7-months-as-ospreys-issue-a-brief-statement