Rugby:The Ospreys, who are set to lose Ireland international Tommy Bowe in the summer with Ulster a frontrunner to capture his signature, have parted company with head coach Sean Holley. Holley has been with the Ospreys since their inception in 2003, but following discussions with the board it was decided he should leave with immediate effect.

“Professional sport is a fast-moving and ever-changing environment and after nine years in office we feel that the time is now right to freshen things up and look at alternative options,” Ospreys managing director Mike Cuddy said today.

Scott Johnson, director of coaching at the region, will also leave with immediate effect. “After talking through the issues facing the business with the board, we’ve come to a decision that is for the good of the organisation as a whole, which means that I’ll be giving up my post with immediate effect,” the Australian said today.

“I was brought in to a job for the Ospreys, with a particular a remit to help set-up systems that would enable us to bring through home grown talent, coaches and players, and we agree that I’m leaving an organisation that is now better equipped to deal with the challenging times that lie ahead for all the Welsh regions.”