Ospreys in turmoil before Cheetahs visit

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The Ospreys are locked in discussion with head coach Allen Clarke after it was reported this week that he had been sacked following a poor start to the season.

News broke on Tuesday that Clarke had been removed from his position after the Ospreys had won just one of their six PRO14 games this season, including a home defeat by the Kings, and lost both of their opening Champions Cup matches to Saracens and Munster.

However, there was no official statement from the club confirming the news which kept the team’s fan base in the dark.

It didn’t help that on Wednesday, veteran Ospreys flyhalf James Hook and contact skills coach Richard Pugh appeared at a mid-season PRO14 launch event and were informed that they were legally restricted to speak about Clarke’s departure.

The club released a statement on social media on Wednesday calling for patience as they negotiate with Clarke, who had signed a three-year contract extension only last year.

‘We are currently in discussion with Allen Clarke and we hope to have a resolution shortly,’ the statement read. ‘We understand the frustration of supporters but we would appreciate your patience.’

This puts the club in a tough position to focus on the upcoming fixture against the Cheetahs on Saturday. After a bright start to the season, which included three successive home bonus-point wins against the Glasgow Warriors, Ulster and Munster, the Cheetahs are coming off three successive away losses to Connacht, the Scarlets and Cardiff Blues.

Hawies Fourie’s side, who have included a number of potential debutants in their touring squad, will no doubt be eager to grab a vital four points in what will be their final PRO14 match this year.

Photo: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile via Getty Images

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SA Rugby magazine