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Tandy exits Ospreys with 'immediate effect'
By Christopher Devine
The Ospreys have fired head coach Steve Tandy following their exit from the European Champions Cup.
A 24-7 defeat to Clermont Auvergne on Saturday ended the Welsh region's hopes of progressing from an extremely tough group that also included reigning European champions Saracens.
Yet while the Ospreys were competitive in Europe, their Pro14 form has been hugely disappointing. They have won just four of their 13 league fixtures this season and sit sixth out of seven teams in Conference A.
Managing director Andrew Millward paid tribute to former Ospreys flanker Tandy, who took the reins in February 2012 and won the Pro12 in his first season, but insisted a change was needed.
In a club statement, Millward said: "Steve has been an outstanding servant to Ospreys Rugby – often in challenging circumstances. His dedication to the region and his hard work has been absolute.
"However, we're aware that results have not been good enough this season and that, regrettably, a change is necessary to keep the organisation moving forward – consistent with the long-term expectations of our loyal and valued supporters and commercial partners. In line with this, we will also continue to closely review our entire rugby operation during the coming weeks.
"This is not a decision that has been taken lightly. Steve has been an integral part of everything we have achieved over the last six years - from winning the Pro12 in his first season in charge to helping develop a strong core of players from our academy – and before that as a player.
"Steve will always remain a respected figure within the Ospreys family and will always be welcomed back to Liberty Stadium as a true friend of the region. We wish him every success for the future.
"While our long-term focus is now on finding a world-class replacement and continue building a squad for next season, we have a busy end-of-season Pro14 run-in for the coaches and players to focus on."
The Ospreys are not in league action again until February 9, with Anglo-Welsh Cup fixtures against Gloucester and Bath their next two assignments.
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Latest Comments
Yet Ethan Blackadder was one of our best against the World Champion Springbok. When he came back to the Crusaders later in the season , he made a huge difference, ( a long with others like Codie Taylor), we nearly made the Play Off's. Ethan has plenty of rugby left in him. His family , Dad Todd Blackadder must be very [proud of him. Todd Blackadder was a 3 time champion captain of the Crusaders, '98, '99 and 2000.An icon in this area. Also twice captain of Canterbury , '97 and 2001 when we won the NPC and Ranfurly Shield winning captain in 2000.
Go to commentsIt's the same criticism of Dmac and Mo'unga as well. Sadly the way the game has been heading recently it's the only way to break down a defence, and a player of Lawrences nature would have a very limited chance at doing that because he's too one dimensional.
Noah Lolesio is your sort of player and that worked OK, but only because his team is far more creative than Englands for example. The highly organized Irish attack was also another that didn't require much from the 10, but that is now changing with Prendergast who is in that league mold like the most new age 10's.
So it is in fact your two which would require even more change to make the most of than Marcus Smith.
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