The return of Guinness PRO14 action is just around the corner after a brief European sabbatical, and speculation among several clubs is really starting to intensify.

It’s been a hectic week of rumours, injury news and selection dilemmas, with events atOspreys dominating the headlines given the situation surrounding Allen Clarke’s reported departure.

And where else to begin than South Wales, where the uncertainty around the head coach’s position received some clarity last night as Ospreys confirmed they were currently in discussions with Clarke.

Wales Online have reported this may be the result of legal or human resources-related issues, while experienced Ospreys fly-half James Hook claimed the players must share some of the responsibility for the club’s recent toils.

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.
— Ospreys (@ospreys) November 27, 2019

Over to Galway next, where the injury crisis atConnacht, despite easing this week, took an additional blow with the news that centre Tom Farrell could be out for up to six weeks.

Although captain Jarrad Butler, Bundee Aki, Denis Buckley, Eoin McKeon, Niyi Adeolokun and Rory Burke are all returning for Andy Friend’s side as they welcome Isuzu Southern Kings to the Sportsground, the news regarding Farrell – who scored in the 32-17 Champions Cup defeat to Toulouse at the weekend – is disappointing for the men in green.

Up in Scotland there have been developments atGlasgow Warriors, where assistant coach Petrus du Plessis has assuaged Huw Jones’ concerns about a lack of game-time by insisting the outside centre does have a future at the club.