Ospreys confirm coach Hogg has parted company with region

OSPREYS have confirmed the departure of forwards coach Carl Hogg from the region.

Former Scotland flanker Hogg arrived at the Liberty in May 2019 to assist head coach Allen Clarke in a set-up which included attack coach Matt Sherratt.

But Clarke left in December and Sherratt agreed a move to Worcester Warriors.

Hogg’s future increasingly looked in question with new head coach Toby Booth coming in during the summer and having a background as a forwards coach.

Rumours began to surface that Hogg could be on his way as the Ospreys were setting their sights on a fresh start. But it’s taken until now for the terms of the departure to be formally agreed and announced.

A short statement on the region’s website said: “The Ospreys can announce that they have parted company with forwards coach Carl Hogg.

“Hogg, a former Scotland U20s coach, was appointed as Ospreys forwards coach back in 2019.

“We would like to thank Carl for his contribution to the Ospreys and wish him all the best for the future.”

The Liberty Stadium region endured the worst season in their history in 2019-20, winning just two games.

It was Hogg’s misfortune to have been on the scene at an especially challenging time, with a historic squeeze on finances leading to an unbalanced squad. When a brutal injury list and Wales calls were factored in, too, the Ospreys found themselves locked in the campaign from hell, one which any team of coaches would have found hard to turn around.

Meanwhile, Glasgow Warriors are optimistic they will be able to face the Ospreys in Swansea tomorrow despite a player testing positive for coronavirus and two others self-isolating. The club cancelled training on Tuesday as a precaution but are continuing to prepare for the trip to South Wales. A club statement read: “Glasgow Warriors can confirm a squad player has tested positive for Covid-19.

“Public Health Scotland’s contact tracing subsequently identified two other players who had close contact within the squad bubble and are also isolating.”

“Training at the club was cancelled on Tuesday (October 20) as a precaution.

“The Guinness PRO14 match versus Ospreys in Swansea on Saturday (October 24) will go ahead as planned.”