Ospreys Head Coach Mark Jones Expresses Surprise at Early Appointment

United Rugby Championship: Ospreys v Scarlets Venue: Swansea.com Stadium Date: Saturday, 21 December Kick-off: 17:15 GMT Coverage: Scrum V Live on BBC Two Wales, commentary on BBC Radio Wales. New Ospreys head coach Mark Jones stated his surprise at assuming the role earlier than anticipated following Toby Booth’s departure. The Ospreys had announced in September that former Wales wing Jones would succeed Booth at the conclusion of the 2024-25 season. However, after a record European defeat in Montpellier on Saturday, Booth’s departure was accelerated to this week, resulting in defence coach Jones’ promotion six months ahead of schedule. Jones and the Ospreys squad were informed of the decision just four days before the United Rugby Championship (URC) derby against Scarlets on Saturday. “I was surprised when I got the call to have a discussion about what it would look like if I needed to take the role on,” said Jones. “The first thing that comes into your head is Toby, where he sits in it and his emotions. It’s tough because he’s given a lot to the region.” “You then think about the people in front of you and the job you’ve got in your hands, the responsibility you’ve got to the badge.” Jones acknowledged his ongoing preparation for a future transition. “It’s not a shock in that respect, because there was a handover period,” said Jones. “There was a transition that was brought forward. These things happen in sport. “Without giving it too much disrespect, these things are always in the back of your mind.” “Things can get taken away from you as a player or coach very quickly. We know this in our line of work.” “I’m excited about the role and a good opportunity to experience something different.” After reaching the URC play-offs and Challenge Cup quarter-finals in 2023-24, Ospreys have faced difficulties during this campaign. They have secured two wins from their opening seven URC fixtures, which has resulted in their drop to 14th in the table. This performance preceded the 59-15 Challenge Cup defeat in France last weekend. Concerns had been voiced regarding the Ospreys’ decision to announce the succession plan before the season commenced. Jones affirms that their working relationship remained unaffected with Booth during the first three months of this season, despite knowing changes would occur in the summer of 2025. “They were no different to last season,” said Jones. “If I was to give Toby and myself any credit, we’re both professional people.” “We’ve got a good relationship and it made it easy. Our relationship is a strong one, it still is now. I know he’ll want us to do well and Ospreys to thrive.” “There’s a piece of him within the history of the club. All we can do as a playing group is represent his effort and time he’s given to the badge.” “I don’t need to speak about his record. It speaks for itself. He’s done a really good job. ” Jones suggests that a victory in the upcoming local derby against Scarlets would serve as an appropriate tribute to Booth. “I know he’ll be behind the boys on the weekend,” said Jones. “He’ll be disappointed he’s not there, prowling the terraces. All we can do as a playing group is represent his effort and time he’s given to the badge.” “We’ll do our very best on the weekend. Then my job is to try and grow the environment to the next level, hopefully.” Former international wing Mark Jones has prior coaching experience with Scarlets, Wales, Namibia and Crusaders. Jones has been tasked with managing the players’ response to Booth’s departure. “They’ve reacted how you’d expect,” said Jones. “We’ve slowly tried to turn our focus to the game.” “There’s been a little moment of contemplation of what it might mean for them in the short-term, what it might mean for the team and what they might need to pick up between now and the end of the year with us not having Toby in the room.” Jones anticipates an increased initial workload, with flanker Justin Tipuric continuing the final year of his playing career before retiring and becoming defence coach for the 2025-26 season. “There’ll be a bit of a spike in workload, with one coach down in the building,” said Jones. “I’m passionate about Justin finishing his playing career and not coming over to the coaching career early because of what has happened.” “It’s important to me he stays in the playing role and almost becomes the coach within the team. ” “I want him to enjoy his last year as a player, give the best account of himself and remember the year positively.” Jones indicated his desire to recruit a coach for the remainder of the season. “We are looking at it,” said Jones. “Because things have happened so quickly, we’ve had a few days to prepare the team to play this fixture against Scarlets.” “But in my own mind, I have been thinking about what that work-flow looks like.” “We’ve got a responsibility as a management group to create the best environment for players, giving them the tools they need to perform.” “Having hands on deck is important. So we will be adding support to the playing group, we’re just not sure what it looks like at the minute.”