Booth has worked at London Irish, Bath and Harlequins but is now in Welsh rugby. It’s a new challenge for the 50-year-old but it is one he is relishing.
“We’re embarking on the new Ospreys,” Booth said.
“That involves new ideas, new styles of play and new ingraining of habits whether it be fundamentals of the game or attitude towards the game.
“There are all sorts of new things. We’ve moved to St Helen’s. Covid is part of the new, Brock James is part of the new.
“The games provide an opportunity for us to perform well and see where we are down that route, but this is going to be a journey for sure.
“We have to make sure we’re as robust as possible and use these two games as opportunities to take the steps forward away from last year and down the new road.
“The fans can expect me to push youth quite hard. They can expect a team that works hard.
“There has been no lack of effort in this group. I think it’s quite important to represent the area you are from and hopefully the game we play will reflect that.
“The Welsh rugby I grew up watching had an intent to be positive and score tries. Our intentions will be to do that.
“It takes a bit of time, understanding and embedding. Ultimately, we want to be positive.”
The Welsh rugby I grew up watching had an intent to be positive and score tries. Our intentions will be to do that
The Guinness PRO14 returns in Wales on August 22 with the Ospreys hosting the Dragons at the Liberty Stadium the following day (kick-off 2.15pm).
Booth’s side will then face Cardiff Blues at Rodney Parade the following week and the head coach is looking forward to seeing his team on the field.
The Ospreys have a number of huge threats in their team and Booth said: “It’s not just George North. You look at Mat Protheroe, Dan Evans and you have boys who like to be positive and want to score tries.
“Alun Wyn Jones, for example, loves to compete and so do Brad Davies and Nicky Smith. Some people like different elements of the game.
“Ultimately there should be enough engagement and excitement that makes players want to contribute. That’s why it’s a game for all shapes and sizes.
“We’re trying to promote the importance of everyone within that.”
Looking ahead to the upcoming matches, Booth added: “They’re league games, aren’t they? These aren’t pre-season games, these are opportunities for people to put their hands up.
“The advantage is that next season is coming around the corner and this is a chance to assess where we are. It’s the first opportunity for people to put their hand up.
“I’m looking forward to what they do.”
