Allen Clarke: Ospreys players share blame for problems, says James Hook

James Hook says Ospreys players must share responsibility for the team's poor form which resulted in coach Allen Clarke departing on Tuesday.

Ospreys have won only one out of eight competitive games this season.

The region have still not confirmed Clarke's departure with senior player Hook and coach Richie Pugh not allowed to answer questions on the subject at a Pro14 media event on Wednesday.

But Hook said coaching was being taken by Matt Sherratt and Carl Hogg.

Hook told media at a Pro14 promotional event: "It has been tough. One win from eight is probably not good enough. The boys realise that.

"It's not just management. We have got a responsibility, we have got to hold our hands up as well.

"In football, rugby, the coach carries the can. That's the way it goes, it's a business. Speaking from my point of view and other players, they do take responsibility as well."

Clarke's absence followed the announcement last week that backs coach Sherratt would be leaving at the end of the current season.

Ospreys broke their silence on Clarke's departure with a post on social media on Wednesday evening confirming talks with the outgoing boss.

"We are currently in discussion with Allen Clarke and we hope to have a resolution shortly. We understand the frustration of supporters but we would appreciate your patience," they wrote.

The region have also been hampered by international call ups for the World Cup, and have been hit by a string of serious injuries.

Ospreys play Cheetahs in the Pro14 at the Gnoll in Neath on Saturday with preparations going ahead as normal, according to Pugh and Hook.

"I'm involved in the sessions. We're prepping as we would normally," Pugh said.

• Clarke leaves Ospreys head coach role

Hook added: "Matt Sherratt's there, Hoggy's there. These are quality coaches who take our sessions through most of the week anyway. So there's plenty of experience there to look after it.

"We've been told we can't say too much - and, I've got to be honest, I don't know a lot myself.

"We've been in tough situations and as players all we can do is focus on the game on Saturday."

Analysis - 'It's quite sad really'

Ex-Ospreys, Wales and Lions wing Shane Williams

To watch them against the Kings was quite painful in all honesty. They just seem to have lost a bit of hwyl and don't seem to be enjoying their rugby.

When they have their players back, it's heck of a squad but, if they are not playing like that when they're not there you are not going to play like that when they are back in the team just because Alun Wyn Jones is fit.

Alun Wyn will do his job, but the 14 players around him are going to have to do their own jobs.

I know they have players injured and others away because of the World Cup, yet they still had good players on the field.

It wasn't a performance I was proud of. It's quite sad really and I look at it as someone who has been there with the Ospreys and is now an Ospreys fan.