Ospreys struggle to keep hold of in-demand Walsh
Jack Walsh has made 81 appearances for Ospreys since joining from Exeter in 2022. [Huw Evans Picture Agency] Ospreys full-back Jack Walsh could leave the region at the end of the season with interest growing from clubs outside Wales, including French side Montauban. Walsh, who can also operate at fly-half, has been one of Ospreys' most consistent performers over the past two seasons, form which has attracted interest from a number of clubs.
Ospreys head coach Mark Jones confirmed the region is in talks with Walsh but acknowledged the 26-year-old is weighing up his future. "At the moment he's assessing his options — staying versus going — and we're waiting for clarity on that," said Jones. "We've been clear with our stance and the contract we've put in front of him shows how much we value him.
"But he's got to make a decision himself and I fully appreciate that he has to explore that in his own time, we'll see what happens over the next days and weeks. " French club Montauban, who will be relegated from the Top 14 this season, are understood to be leading the race should Walsh decide to move on, with the club already making early recruitment moves as they plan for an immediate return to the top flight. Born in America and raised in Australia, Walsh joined Ospreys in 2022 and has become an important part of the squad, featuring regularly at both full-back and fly-half.
Had Walsh remained in Wales, he would have become eligible for Steve Tandy's national side on residency before the 2027 World Cup, but a move abroad would end those qualification hopes. Uncertainty remains for Scarlets and Ospreys Ospreys playing down Chamberlain links Ospreys have confirmed Wales wing Tom Rogers will join from Scarlets next season, providing an option at full-back should Walsh depart, along with existing squad member Iestyn Hopkins. They will also require fly-half cover and have been linked with Newcastle Red Bulls' Boeta Chamberlain as a possible replacement.
Jones said the region are exploring a number of options given the uncertainty around Walsh's future, but moved to play down speculation surrounding South African Chamberlain. "He's not anybody we're looking at any more deeply than anybody else," said Jones. "We're looking at lots of 10s because we don't know where the Jack Walsh situation is going to land.