This post was originally published on this site.
The full-back would have qualified for Wales next year on residency
The Ospreys have confirmed the departure of Jack Walsh, with the full-back joining French club Montauban next season.
As reported by WalesOnline earlier this month, the French club have landed Walsh – who can also play fly-half. Not only is the departure of Walsh a blow for the Ospreys, but Welsh rugby as a whole.
That is because the 26-year-old, who was born in the United States and raised in Australia, would have qualified for Wales on residency before next year’s World Cup.
However, Walsh’s move to France means he will not be able to pull on the red jersey.
“This club means a lot to me, so this was an extremely tough decision for me to make,” said Walsh after his move to Montauban was confirmed.
“I am incredibly grateful for the time I’ve spent at the Ospreys, I’ve grown a lot as a player and a person since I joined the team, and I want to take this moment to thank everyone who has played a part in that.
“I have made lifelong friends, and the Osprey supporters have been amazing throughout my time at the region. I’ve loved my time in Wales, especially the people within it.
“I’d also like to thank Mark (Jones), the coaches and all the staff, it’s an amazing place to come to work every day.
“While it’s a bittersweet moment for me, I’m excited to embrace this opportunity and to test myself in a new environment. Until then, I’ll be giving my all on the pitch until the end of the season.”
Since joining the Ospreys in 2022, Walsh has played 76 times for the club – scoring 233 points.
He’ll join Montauban in France’s second tier next season, with the club already relegated from the Top 14 just a year after winning promotion from Pro D2.
However, having signed Walsh alongside Glasgow hooker Johnny Matthews, clearly the club are hoping to make an instant return to the Top 14.
“Walshy is a model professional and a great character so he will certainly be missed by everyone at the Ospreys,” said Ospreys head coach Mark Jones.
“As a club, we did our best to keep him but he received an offer to test himself in different waters and we understand his motivations to pursue that opportunity.”
“Whilst Walshy will be a loss for us, we have already added some quality in Tom Rogers and it will also present more opportunity for our younger 15s coming through that we have high hopes for in an Ospreys jersey.”
Follow all of our channels to ensure you stay up to date with the latest Welsh rugby news. Sign up to our free daily newsletter here and our WhatsApp channel here for all the breaking news.
