Now? 15 years of
Gwent following six years in France with Grenoble.
After a testing, injury-plagued first season in charge, Jackman will be hoping for better things from a revamped squad.
OSPREYS
Lyn Jones (2003-2008)
The man handed the reins of a bold-new Neath-Swansea venture, Jones turned the side into a trophywinning force.
Since leaving the Ospreys, the former Wales flanker has had spells at London Welsh, the Dragons and with the Namibian development team the Welwitschias.
Is set to become head coach of Russia’s national side for the 2019 World Cup.
Sean Holley (2008-12)
For so long Jones’s trusted lieutenant, Holley stepped into the hot seat in 2008 before leaving in 2012.
Had a brief short-term spell with the Scarlets before joining Bristol. Is a respected media analyst.
Scott Johnson (2009-12)
Not a head coach but a director of coaching who was very much appointed to be a driving force on and off the pitch at the region.
One of the most colourful characters Welsh rugby has seen, his time with Wales saw him divide opinion among fans, particularly after the controversy of Ruddockgate.
Johnson left at the end of his three-year Ospreys contract to become Scotland’s assistant coach under Andy Robinson.
He briefly took over the main role in 2013/14 following Robinson’s exit, before being appointed as director of rugby at Scotland Rugby – a role that basically sees him overseeing the game in Scotland.
Steve Tandy (2012-2018)
Even Tandy admitted it was a shock to succeed Holley, but the ex-Neath and Ospreys flanker celebrated Magners League success within months of his appointment.
Left the Ospreys at the start of this year following a disappointing run of results.
Is now working in Australia with the Waratahs Super Rugby franchise and is understood to have been offered a two-year deal to become defence coach at the Sydney-based side.
Allen Clarke (2018-)
The Northern Irishman joined the Ospreys back-room team as forwards coach at the start of the 2017-18 campaign, then took on the reins on an interim basis following Tandy’s exit in January.
Was handed a three-year contract as the region’s new head coach in April.
SCARLETS Gareth Jenkins (2003-2006)
Jenkins’ tenure in Llanelli, of course, stretched long before the advent of regional rugby.
He had guided the Scarlets, in their club guise, to two European semifinals, with the west Walians then established as one of the leading clubs on the continent.
Was appointed Wales coach in 2006 ahead of the 2007 World Cup, but was axed in unceremonious fashion following Wales’ shock exit at the pool stage and returned to the Scarlets to take on a development and recruitment role.
Stepped down in 2016, but is still involved in talent identification for the region.
Phil Davies (2006-08)
see Cardiff Blues
Nigel Davies (2008-12)
The former Scarlets centre, previously assistant to Jenkins with the Scarlets and Wales, replaced Phil Davies at the helm and spent four years in charge before taking up a post as Gloucester’s director of rugby.
After a spell coaching at Ebbw Vale, Davies is now chief executive of Principality Premiership champions Merthyr.
Simon Easterby (2012-14)
Was the natural successor to Nigel Davies in the Scarlets hot seat.
The 65-times capped Ireland flanker left in 2014 to take up the position of forwards coach with Joe Schmidt’s national team. Is currently assisting with Ulster in a temporary role.
Wayne Pivac (2014-)
The Kiwi, initially appointed as forwards coach, took charge following Easterby’s departure and is now looking forward to his fifth season at the West Walians.
Guided the Scarlets to the Guinness PRO14 title in 2016-17 and a Champions Cup semi-final in 2018.
Is understood to be on the shortlist to replace Warren Gatland following next year’s World Cup.