Ospreys aim to attract crowds with winning rugby

Ospreys head coach Mark Jones played 47 internationals for Wales

Ospreys head coach Mark Jones hopes an enjoyable and winning brand of rugby can help the crowds return to watch his side.

The Ospreys produced an outstanding performance in the six-try, 43-0 victory against Benetton on Friday night but it was played in front of only 2,832 fans at the Swansea.com Stadium.

It was the lowest home attendance for an Ospreys league game at the ground which has a capacity of more than 20,000.

The organisation plan to move to the smaller St Helen's venue in Swansea next season, while have also played some games at Bridgend's Brewery Field in recent years.

"It is our job to put a style of rugby on the field that people get excited about watching," said Jones.

"Winning rugby will pull people through the gates and watching a good style of rugby is important.

"We want to entertain more. If we are doing that and winning more than we are losing, there is no reason why you can't come down to the Swansea.com Stadium or St Helen's moving forward, or the Brewery Field if we end up there for games at any point.

"We want people to have a great day out and winning makes that better."

Fluency and successful aim

Jones remains unbeaten since taking over as head coach from Toby Booth in December 2024, with four wins and a draw in five matches.

He has been trying to develop a new fluent and expansive style that was in evidence during the hammering of Benetton in the United Rugby Championship (URC) fixture.

"We have talked around being brave, moving the ball and trying to score more points and the boys are enjoying themselves doing it, which is a pleasure to watch," said Jones.

"It is something we are trying to do and something I feel passionate about.

"I want us to entertain the crowd but also win games because there is always the balance.

"The players have embraced the bits and pieces the coaches have tried to add and layer into our game.

"I am pleased for them because they are the ones out there performing who feel excited about executing things."

Tipuric remains class act

Justin Tipuric played 93 Tests for Wales before announcing his international retirement in 2023

One aspect that has not changed is the brilliance of flanker Justin Tipuric, who produced another player-of-the-match performance against Benetton.

"He is incredible and just wants to keep getting better," said Jones.

"He is competitive and tough, so smart around the contact area and has so much to offer the team."

Tipuric, 35, will retire at the end of the season to become the Ospreys defence coach.

"I am excited about bringing him into the coaching group," said Jones.

"Justin is a great guy and sets the standards around his work ethic.

"He will help anybody in the group to get better, whether they are competing for his shirt or not, but you will have to outwork him to get it.

"This was another little reminder for some young boys, who have been getting their names in lights recently, that you are going to have to play very well to get the shirt.

"That only breeds healthy competition, because he is part of what has gone before him here and is now passing that onto the next crop."