Ospreys announce Walsh will leave for Montauban

Ospreys have confirmed Jack Walsh will be leaving for French club Montauban next season.

Walsh, who can play full-back or fly-half, has scored 233 points in 76 appearances since making his Ospreys debut in 2022.

The 26-year-old will play in the French second division in the 2026-27 campaign, with Montauban have already been relegated from the Top 14 with only one league win this season.

Ospreys head coach Mark Jones says his side did not want Walsh to leave.

"We did our best to keep him, but he received an offer to test himself in different waters and we understand his motivations to pursue that opportunity," said Jones.

"Walshy is a model professional and a great character so he will certainly be missed by everyone at the Ospreys."

Jones will need to bring in a fly-half to back up Wales fly-half Dan Edwards, although they have brought in Tom Rogers from Scarlets to help cover full-back.

"Whilst Walshy will be a loss for us, we have already added some quality in Tom Rogers," said Jones.

"it will also present more opportunity for our younger 15s coming through that we have high hopes for in an Ospreys jersey."

Ospreys have lost Wales captains Jac Morgan and Dewi Lake and centre Phil Cokanasiga to Gloucester for next season, while lock James Fender is also moving to France.

Walsh was born in the United States of America before becoming a graduate of the New South Wales Waratahs academy and he represented Australia Under-18s.

He played for club side Manly Marlins in Sydney before heading to the UK in 2020 where he made eight appearances for Exeter.

Walsh, who would have qualified to play for Wales on residency in the next 12 months, outlined why he was leaving.

"Ospreys means a lot to me, so this was a tough decision to make," said Walsh.

"I am grateful for the time I've spent at the Ospreys, I've grown a lot as a player and a person since I joined the team and want to thank everyone who has played a part in that.

"I have made lifelong friends, and the Osprey supporters have been amazing throughout my time at the region.

"I'd like to thank Mark [Jones], the coaches and all staff, it's an amazing place to come to work every day.

"While it's a bittersweet moment, I'm excited to embrace this opportunity and test myself in a new environment."