Magners League
Ospreys confirm Johnson appointment
Scrum.com
January 29, 2009
Wallabies assistant coach Scott Johnson talks to the media as the Australian Wallabies arrive home at Sydney International Airport in Sydney, Australia on October 10, 2007.
Johnson is set to quit as coach of the USA Eagles before taking up his new role © Getty Images
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USA Eagles coach Scott Johnson has been formally announced as the Ospreys new Director of Coaching, with current coach Sean Holley confirmed as head coach and former Wales skipper Jonathan Humphreys as forwards coach.

Australian Johnson was skills coach for Wales during their 2005 Grand Slam and took charge of the team for three internationals after Mike Ruddock's shock departure during the 2006 Six Nations. He went on to serve as skills coach for Australia during their 2007 Rugby World Cup campaign before taking up the reins with the USA.

Johnson has now given is three months notice to the USA and will take up his position with the Ospreys in the summer.

"We have considered over 20 coaches with the potential to measure up to a list of firm criteria and believe Scott Johnson contains the right mixture of technical ability - particularly on the attacking side of the game - strong character, excellent communication skills, planning, management ability and innovation to help the Ospreys take the next step forward," said Ospreys Elite Performance Director Andrew Hore.

"Vitally, Scott will help ensure that progress is made on and off the field, through the continued development of the existing coaching team to whom the Ospreys are firmly committed and who, we believe, have the ability to go from good to great Welsh coaches in their own right."

Holley and Humphreys have steered the Ospreys to the top of the Magners League and the semi-final of the Anglo-Welsh Cup this season, and will now form the backbone of the Ospreys setup as it progresses forward.

"Both Jon and I are delighted to have our roles confirmed on a permanent basis and are excited about the prospect of working closely with such an innovative and forward thinking coach as Scott Johnson, who has an excellent worldwide reputation in the game," said Holley. "I know Scott well from his previous time in Wales and I'm looking forward to developing a strong working relationship with him that will help to take the Ospreys to the next level."

Johnson has officially resigned from his post with USA Rugby and will serve a 90 day notice period. "It has been great having Scott with USA Rugby," said Kevin Roberts, Chairman of USA Rugby's Board of Directors. "We wish him all the best and thank him for his commitment to the game and helping to move the U.S. forward."

Johnson leaves an improving side behind, and has pledged to do anything in his power to help. "Significant strides have been made," Johnson said. "We have a growing player pool eligible for Eagles selection. I want to see the U.S. Team successful and I will do anything I can to contribute to this success."

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