Clarke urges Welsh rugby to ape Irish stucture

Allen Clarke believes leaving Irish rugby can help take him to the next level as a coach.

The former Ireland hooker is the new head coach of the Ospreys having worked since January as interim boss and turned around the Welsh region’s fortunes after a wretched season which sees them at risk of missing out on Champions Cup qualification.

Clarke is one of two Irishmen who holds the role of head coach at one of the four Welsh regions, with Bernard Jackman heading up operations at the Dragons.