It is fair to say the first full season as a professional head coach for Mark Jones at the Ospreys has been a baptism of fire.
Results will show it has been a disappointing campaign.
Ospreys lie in 11th position in the United Rugby Championship (URC), out of play-off contention with two league games remaining. They were also knocked out of the Challenge Cup at the last-16 stage by Ulster.
That does not tell the whole story. Off the field the Ospreys have endured a torrid time, their very existence threatened.
There has been a turbulent three months which started with the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) announcing Ospreys’ owners, Y11 Sport & Media, as the preferred bidder to buy Cardiff from the governing body.
Ninety days of discussions followed but came to nothing when the deal collapsed and Ospreys were told last week, along with the other three regions, their future was safe until 2028.
Throughout all that trouble and strife, Jones has been the one constant for Ospreys fans and staff.
He is the man who has had to answer the questions about Ospreys and Y11 and try and reassure his players, coaches and staff. More than just a rugby coach.
“It’s been a hell of a season just reflecting on it,” said Jones.
“I’m just doing my job as I see it and doing the best I can.
“Have I got everything right? No, I probably haven’t. But what I’ve tried to do is just be open and honest with things and as professional as I can.
“It’s been tough but it’s what the job is.”
