Jack Walsh arrived at the Ospreys with no great fanfare as a relative unknown. But the USA-born, Aussie-raised utility back has gone on to add his name to the long list of overseas imports who have shone brightly for the region since its inception in 2003.
Following in the footsteps of the likes of Jerry Collins, Filo Tiatia, Marty Holah, Tommy Bowe, Justin Marshall and Stefan Terblanche, he has become an integral member of the side since arriving from Exeter in 2022.
He has brought valuable versatility, with his ability to line up at both full-back and fly-half, along with play-making and game-breaking. There’s also his goal-kicking which, on top of his 11 tries, has seen him rack up 232 points in his 76 appearances for the Welsh region.
As such, it’s understandable why they are so keen to retain the sought-after 26-year-old, who is out of contract at the end of this season.
Head coach Mark Jones said: “We really value Jack. He knows how much we care about him and it’s pretty clear by how he trains, how he prepares and how he plays for us that he cares about the Ospreys. “He’s been a consummate professional. His preparation is top drawer. He’s tough, if you look at how durable he is, he’s very skilful and he’s become a very good leader within the environment. We are hoping we can keep him in the building moving forward. He’s made big progress. He’s 26 now and he’s only going to get better.
“We want to be able to capitalise on all the time he’s put in with the previous coaches and previous teams that have gone before. I think he’s now ready to perform on a higher stage week-in, week-out. Let’s hope that’s in a black shirt.”
Walsh could yet perform on the biggest stage of all at Test level as he would become eligible for Wales on residency grounds next year if he stays in the country. It’ s certainly been some journey for him to get to this point in his career. He was born in Jacksonville, Florida, due to his father’s work, but both his parents are from Australia and they headed back Down Under when he was five.
Growing up in Manly, a picturesque beach-side suburb north of Sydney, life was good.
“It’s awesome down there. I did a lot of surfing when I was younger and a lot of touch rugby. It was a good place to grow up for sure,” he says.
He started out at junior level with Manly Marlins, while also trying his hand at league during his teenage years, before progressing to the Waratahs Academy and breaking into the wider Super Rugby squad. Then, in 2020, came a move to England to join Exeter.
“It was a big decision. I came over in the middle of Covid, so I couldn’t have any family or anything come over. I didn’t see them for almost two years. But rugby was the dream, so it was too good an opportunity to pass up. The fact it was such a successful team, with such good players, made it an easier decision.”
After some nine outings in his two years down in Devon, the man from New South Wales headed for South Wales. “I came to the Ospreys because I liked the brand of rugby they played and I wanted the opportunity to play,” he said. “It appealed to me trying to play as many games as possible, so I’m happy with how it’s gone. To play 70 odd games for any club is a special achievement, particularly here.
“With the amount of great players they have had, it means you have been doing something right over a decent period of time to keep yourself on that team-sheet. I have played pretty consistently since I have been here and that’s what I wanted to do.”
He added: “I love Wales. I can’t talk highly enough of the place. I enjoy the fact there is lots to do around here on your days off. It’s helped being at such a good club. All the boys are awesome down here. It’s a tight knit group, so that makes it easier.”
The 5ft 9ins, 13st Walsh, who turned 26 in January, has also enjoyed the multi-national nature of the BKT URC. “I love it, to be honest. I think it’s awesome,” he says. “As a game driver, you’ve got to be able to play a variety of different ways. You can be playing at altitude or in dry weather where you want to be able to throw the ball around, compared to what you can have in other games over here in the wet. It’s really good for learning the different styles and ways to play the game.
“It’s nice and refreshing to be able to play in different sorts of climates, with different supporters and in different cultures. I really enjoy it. The variety is definitely something I love about the URC as a player and, in general, just experiencing it.”
Next up in the league is Saturday night’s meeting with the Hollywoodbets Shark at Bridgend’s Brewery Field. “We love playing there,” said Walsh. “The supporters are awesome. You can hear them all game. They come down in great numbers and it’s awesome for us. We definitely feel it.”
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