Having joined the Swansea-based club in 2020, Booth’s fifth season in the hot seat will be his last with the region announcing defence coach Mark Jones will take over as number one.
Jones’ spot on the coaching team will be then occupied by captain Justin Tipuric after his final season on the pitch.
Coming in at arguably one of the Ospreys’ lowest points, he has transformed the Ospreys not just on the field but off it too. Despite the odds, Toby led the team to the play-offs in two competitions last season, including their first European play-off victory.
Under Booth’s guidance, the Ospreys have brought through 15 academy debutants in the first team, underlying the success of the Ospreys pathway and delivering on the regions promise to ‘grow their own’.
Over the former Harlequins coach’s tenure the Ospreys have seen ten new Welsh international caps, with two in Dewi Lake and Jac Morgan both captaining their country.
With a strong focus on team development and culture, Booth will leave having built a self-reliant, robust group and resilient coaching team – but will leave big shoes to be filled.
Speaking on the departure Booth said:
“As you know, in my tenure, we’ve been keeping everyone in a position of transparency.
“We’re very proud that we’re not afraid of the truth and we do things up front. So this is the moment that I announce that this fifth season will be my final season at the Ospreys.
“I think the time is right internally for the group. But I also think the time is right for me to move onto something a little different. I’ve got a lot of energy and excitement to do that.”
“The rate of change is really important there and the ambition. I don’t mean ambition as in a lack of. It’s a resource capability thing sometimes.
“But the time is right because we’ve managed to get so much right very quickly. Everyone should take a pat on the back for that because everyone’s embraced it.
“Since I came here, we’ve had 15 academy debutants in the first-team. Some by default, some by design. We’ve had 10 new Welsh caps. Two of them have captained their country.
“That speaks well about the cultural stuff that we do. We’re very deliberate about developing leadership and building the culture. It doesn’t just happen and the programme that we all work in and contribute to has produced that. We’re competitive. Two Welsh Shields. The notable wins in Europe. The outcomes are visible.
“There’s only one team that can win a trophy, but there’s been a lot of wins here for me, the team and the Ospreys in this relatively short space of time. It started from a pretty low base and we’ve had to manage a lot of transition and change. As a result, we’ve got a long way down the track. I think you need to maintain energy.
“I’m immensely proud of the people and the individuals that are effectively my team.”
Defence Coach Mark Jones speaking about the changes in 2025 said:
“I am really excited about this opportunity. The privilege of coaching the Ospreys is not lost on me.
“Toby has been excellent at allowing me to develop in the role I’m currently in and giving me great autonomy. My dovetailing with Richard, Duncan, the S&C staff, the analytical staff, and the medical staff—those relationships have just grown.
“I’m excited to take those relationships forward and hopefully add to what has been a really good Ospreys tenure.”
Captain, Justin Tipuric added:
“I am really looking forward to it. I’ve coached throughout my career, so it was something I was really excited to do after playing.
“The most exciting part for me is going into the coaching group and learning all the time. From when I first started playing to now at the end of my playing career, I feel like I’ve always learned something new every day at the Ospreys. I’m looking forward to continuing that when I go into coaching.”
Ospreys CEO, Lance Bradley said:
“These coaching changes form part of the Ospreys’ long-term strategic plan to ensure continued success, both on and off the pitch.
“By promoting from within and ensuring that key figures like Mark and Justin take on vital roles, the club is confident that the team will thrive under their leadership in the seasons to come.”
