‘WORLD-CLASS’ CLARKE AGREES OSPREYS DEAL
THE Ospreys say they have spoken to coaches from all corners of the rugby globe, but believe ‘world-class’ Allen Clarke is the right man to take the region into a bold new era.
Northern Irishman Clarke will take over as head coach on a permanent basis after impressing the region’s bosses during his brief time in caretaker charge.
He has been handed a three-year contract, it was confirmed yesterday.
The 50-year-old joined Steve Tandy’s coaching team at the start of this season from Irish province Ulster, before assuming control in January when Tandy left his post following a disappointing series of results.
Clarke has since overseen an upturn in fortunes, with the Ospreys facing a Champions Cup play-off next month in their bid secure a place in Europe’s toptier tournament for another season.
Capped eight times by Ireland as a hooker, the former schoolteacher was a member of the Ulster side that won the Heineken Cup in 1999.
As a coach, he was part of Mark McCall’s back-room team that guided the Belfast-based province to the 2006 Celtic League title and then served as high performance manager at the Irish Rugby Football Union for five years,
Clarke returned to his home province in 2012 and was Ulster’s forwards coach from 2014 to 2017. He has also had spells coaching Ireland A, Ireland Under-20s and Emerging Ireland.
He was named as the man to replace Chris Gibbes as Ospreys forwards coach last summer and has been a popular acquisition in his first season at Llandarcy.
The likes of former England head coach Stuart Lancaster and ex-South African centre Robbie Fleck are among those to have been linked to the vacant Ospreys role.
But the region has opted to promote from within.
Ospreys managing director Andrew Millward explained: “When we began the search for a new head coach we said we were looking for someone who we considered to be ‘world-class’.
“For us, that meant we wanted someone able to get the best out of the assets available to them, someone with experience of creating a culture, an environment, who had the respect of players and his coaching peers alike.
“We wanted someone with a technical and tactical appreciation of the game, good man management and who felt a true part of the journey.
“Over the last three months we’ve worked closely with the WRU to identify a coach who met the ‘world class’ criteria and have spoken to a number of high-quality individuals from all corners of the rugby world, who were interested in being part of the Ospreys and who presented a strong case.
“In Allen, we strongly believe we have that person, already working within the organisation.
“Vastly experienced, he has a passion for, and proven track record in, developing talent, and he has enjoyed success as both a player and a coach, operating at club and international level.
“The impact he has made in a short time in his role as forwards coach is unquestionable.
“He has used the last three months to showcase both his ability and rugby philosophy further and has the full backing of the playing squad.
“We are delighted to have him as our new head coach and will be looking to strengthen his support team following this appointment.”
Clarke will have a tough task on his hands remoulding a squad that is losing players of the calibre of Wales half-backs Dan Biggar and Rhys Webb as well as Moldovan strongman Dmitri Arhip.
But it is clear he has the support of his players with Wales international forwards Bradley Davies and Justin Tipuric among those to have hailed the qualities of their interim coach in recent weeks.
Clarke said: “When I came to the Ospreys, just 10 months ago, I didn’t foresee this situation arising.
“However, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the experience of being head coach over the last three months.
“The support I’ve received from all areas, from the player group, fellow coaches and colleagues behind the scenes and from the board, together with that of the supporters has been fantastic.
“As such I feel both humbled and honoured by the appointment.
“There is a strong ambition at the region which matches my own, that is, to re-establish the Ospreys at the top level, initially in the Guinness PRO14 and then Europe.
“I’m highly motivated by the challenge and look forward to working with the coaching and management team.”