Toby Booth is snapped up by the Ospreys

Harlequins have confirmed confirm Toby Booth will leave the club at the end of the season to become Ospreys head coach. 

Booth joined Quins in November 2019 on a fixed-term contract as an assistant coach to support Paul Gustard and the coaching group for the remainder of the 2019/20 season. He will remain at Harlequins until the end of the current campaign before joining Ospreys in the summer.

Commenting on his time at Harlequins and the role at Ospreys, Booth said: “This was a really tough decision to make, made harder by the thought of having to leave such a great group of people and a brilliant rugby programme.

“But when the opportunity came up to become a head coach again, it was one I had to take. I’m grateful to Harlequins for the support and faith instilled in me and we are all committed to working hard for the remainder of the season. 

“The team has faced challenges this season, notably the significant amount of injuries, but the measure of the health of a club is how they stick together and stay united in the face of adversity. Harlequins is a great club full of good people, a positive and strong culture and success will come.”

(Continue reading below...)

Two Guinness PRO14 fixtures cancelled over coronavirus fears

Ospreys have been without a head coach since getting rid of Allen Clarke in November, but they have now sourced a replacement. Harlequins’ general rugby manager Billy Millard added: “While we are sad to see him leave, we are naturally delighted for Toby to have the opportunity to be the head coach at the Ospreys. 

“When we appointed Toby, he was transparent from the outset, stating that if the right head coach role became available, he would want to explore it.

“Toby had an immediate impact, has built strong relationships with all in our building and I have no doubt it will be business as usual for the rest of the season.

“Paul and I will make sure his replacement for next season is the right person and coach for our players, staff and club - that process has now begun.”

WATCH: Springboks' future at the heart of the latest CVC investment