Ospreys chief claims Allen Clarke situation 'became a matter of personal conduct'

Chairman Rob Davies said he'd 'never experienced anything like it'

Ospreys chairman Robert Davies has claimed Allen Clarke's situation at the region "became a matter of personal conduct".

Clarke legally remains an employee of the Ospreys but will not fulfil any coaching role as the region continue to finalise his departure.

It's emerged Clarke was no longer involved with rugby operations the Ospreys as of Monday evening.

Full details remain thin on the ground as the region insist they are limited in what they can say for legal reasons.

But they finally broke their silence on the issue at a press conference on Friday afternoon and gave fans at least some answers on the saga that has been unfolding this week.

“We’re still in conversations with Allen and that hasn’t been resolved yet,” said managing director Andrew Millward.

“There is nothing further to say on that and when there is we’ll make a statement. I know that has been frustrating for everyone, us included.

“There was silence at the beginning of the week and the advice was to make no comment.

“That didn't help the situation on social media so we made the comment about us having conversations with Allen and that’s where we are today.”

You can follow live updates from the press conference here.

However, shedding a little bit more light on the situation, Davies added: “I’ve been involved in business for 40 odd years, I’ve been involved in rugby for nearly all of that time.

“I was at the front of it this week. I was in Geneva and I’ve never experienced anything like it but it became a matter of personal conduct.

“When it’s a matter of personal conduct, it’s very difficult to comment because of the legal consequences of what you do and say.

“It’s a well-trodden legal path that you have to follow. You cannot go off piste.

“That’s what happened at the start of the week, starting at 4:15pm on Monday.

“I’ve been around a long time, it’s pretty unusual but it’s impossible to say anything other than it is a matter of personal conduct.

“You can read into that what you want. As of today, Allen Clarke is still, legally, an employee.

“But he is not in charge of rugby matters.”

Clarke’s assistants at the region, Carl Hogg and Matt Sherratt will share the responsibility of preparing the side for this weekend’s game against the Cheetahs at the Gnoll.