Holley hopes for top Ospreys role

Holley is preparing his team for Saturday's game with Benetton Treviso

Ospreys caretaker coach Sean Holley has said he would love the chance to become the region's new head coach.

New Zealand backs coach Wayne Smith recently turned down the role and Holley told BBC Sport: "I'd obviously be keen and delighted to take the role.

"I don't have an ego. I'm just working hard - this is my region. It's where I live, where I was brought up in and where I've grown up.

"I'm just doing my best - if that's good enough, then great."

He continued: "I'm not a big name, I haven't played international rugby so I understand all the paraphernalia around the coaching issue. But anyone who knows me knows I'm pretty passionate about it - I'll do the best I can."

I am just getting on with it. I'm delighted to be taking the role, for how long I don't know. It's clear we need another coach Ospreys caretaker Sean Holley

Holley admits he does not know what the future holds, but thinks the Ospreys need to bring in another coach.

"I am just getting on with it. I'm delighted to be taking the [caretaker] role, for how long I don't know. It's clear we need another coach.

"We have a large staff and the boys need constant feedback, improvement and skill development.

"We need some help - we've been doing particularly well - we're in a good position in all three competitions.

"I'm quite happy the Ospreys have not made any snap decisions and they're diligently looking at someone to suit our coaching team and the players.

"Whether it is someone to come in above myself and Jon [Humphreys] or work alongside us remains to be seen."

Meanwhile, Holley has revealed he has not taken offence at Wales coach Warren Gatland investigating the number of injuries hitting the region's players.

Gavin Henson, Mike Phillips, Huw Bennett, Duncan Jones, Ian Evans, Andy Lloyd, Gareth Owen and Ben Lewis are currently sidelined.

Gatland has asked his medical staff to look into the considerable injury list but Holley does not see this as a slur on his medical staff.

606: DEBATE Have your say on Ospreys' injury problems

"Warren is just concerned about his players for the Six Nations," said Holley. "We have an excellent medical staff who are used to dealing with injuries."

However, Holley admits injuries are a problem for the Ospreys, saying: "Obviously we have a lot of injuries. In our sport, collision and impact happens - there are a lot of impact injuries. A lot of them are unfortunate.

"It's why we have a large squad and we're used to dealing with it. It's something we experienced back in 2005/06, when we had seven or eight crucial injuries to key players and it affected the season a bit. We're learning from that."

Six Wales internationals look set to miss Saturday's Heineken Cup clash with Benetton Treviso.

"We have a lot of games to play in the season, and when you have internationals as well, it takes its toll on players.

"It's up to our staff to make sure they don't get overplayed or over-trained. We had a busy pre-season ahead of a big season.

"It's up to us to adjust our training schedule at this time of the year. It's a challenge we're used to."

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