Former Worcester Warriors team boss Carl Hogg has been appointed new forwards coach at the Ospreys.
The ex-Scotland flanker was head coach at Sixways between 2013 and 2018 save for a short period when he stepped up after Dean Ryan left as director of rugby.
He has since been in charge of Scotland Under-20s, guiding them to a 27-20 win over Wales in the Six Nations three months ago. He also toured with Scotland as assistant forwards coach last summer.
Hogg will link with the Osprey, after taking the young Scots to the Junior World Championship in Argentina in June.
He said: “I am delighted to be joining Allen Clarke and the Ospreys and look forward to working hard and contributing towards the success of the team. It is a fantastic opportunity to work with quality people, outstanding players and an organisation which shares the same values as me.
“Having operated as a coach in England for over 15 years, I am excited by the different challenges which lie ahead in the Guinness PRO14 and adapting to this multi-nation competition.”
The Ospreys have operated without a titled forwards coach since Clarke stepped up to take the head coach role after the departure of Steve Tandy.
Duncan Jones has taken responsibility for the scrums and Bradley Davies has had a major input on the line-out, helping to strengthen it to the point where the Ospreys have had the most potent attacking set-piece in the Guinness PRO14.
But the Welsh region believe Hogg will significantly add to their operation, with Clarke saying: “I’m delighted a person with the values and experience of Hoggy has agreed to join our coaching team.
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"For some time we've been looking for an additional quality coach to work with the forwards to complement the excellent work Duncan Jones does with the scrum. Hoggy will have specific responsibility for the line-out whilst co-coaching other aspects of the game.
“Our line-out this season has again been a strength and I'd like to compliment Bradley Davies and the other line-out leaders for their quality input.
However, I've no doubt Hoggy's expertise together with that of the boys will take us to another level as we strive to become better in all facets of the game."
Hogg made his Test debut as a player in opposition to the legendary Wallaby Willie Ofahengaue, the then 22-year-old acquitting himself with no small degree of credit.
The Galashiels-born flanker later picked up invaluable experience as a coach while working in the Leeds academy alongside Stuart Lancaster, who went on to coach England and is now senior coach at Leinster.
Spells at London Welsh and Edinburgh followed ahead of a stint as forwards coach at Gloucester with defence added to his responsibilities.
The Worcester years included a promotion to the Premiership in 2015.
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Ospreys rugby general manager Dan Griffith explained why the region hadn’t rushed the appointment. “It was vitally important to recruit someone who complimented the current coaching dynamic and added further expertise in a forward coaching capacity,” he said.
“We’ve been patient in this search and in Carl believe we have someone who is a great fit for the Ospreys.
“His experience at club and international level will bring a fresh perspective and will be invaluable as we look to develop our game, with and without the ball. I’m sure Carl will relish the opportunity to add value to the coaching group, players and environment and help take the club forward.”
