Leicester bolster scrum and Ospreys defence with new coach signings

Leicester Tigers and Ospreys have bolstered their respective coaching teams ahead of the 2023/24 season, the Gallagher Premiership club appointing Petrus du Plessis as their interim scrum coach and the URC Welsh region taking on Mark Jones as their defence coach.  

A Leicester statement read: “Head coach Dan McKellar has appointed Petrus du Plessis to his senior coaching team as interim scrum coach. The South African will remain in the role until the arrival of new scrum coach Dan Palmer when his commitments with the Wallabies are complete following the Rugby World Cup.” 

McKellar, who worked alongside du Plessis when the pair were part of the Dave Rennie set-up with the Wallabies, said: “Our scrum is an integral part of what we do and with Dan arriving after the World Cup, we felt it was important to have that specific focus on it during this period. 

“To have been able to appoint someone with the experience of Petrus for that was an added bonus and too good an opportunity not to take up for the club and our players.

"I have worked with Petrus over the past few years in Australia and know the energy and enthusiasm he brings, as well as the effort he puts into his work. I am glad we’re able to have that here at Leicester Tigers in the interim.” 

Meanwhile, an Ospreys statement on their recruitment of the recent interim Wales U20s coach read: “Mark Jones will be joining as a first-team coach with his role focusing on defence. He has notable experience in a defence-based role having previously worked under Scott Robertson at the Crusaders.” 

Jones said: “I can’t wait to get started. There is a talented group of boys here with some incredible young prospects that I have already had the pleasure of working with.

"I’m truly excited for the opportunity to help drive the defensive strategies of the Ospreys and I’m looking forward to contributing wherever I can towards the team being the best team it can be.” 

Head coach Toby Booth added: “We believe Mark’s experience in different environments will be invaluable for us. His tenure as the Crusaders defence coach certainly caught our eye. Defence is a key area of improvement for us and we are looking forward to working with Mark to improve this area of our game. 

“Mark’s recent experience as Wales U20s head coach was definitely another plus for us. His commitment to developing young talent aligns seamlessly with our long-term strategy as a region and coaching staff.”