Former Ireland hooker Clarke, who headed to the Liberty Stadium last summer as forwards coach, has been in interim control of the senior team after Steve Tandy left in January.
“When I came to the Ospreys just 10 months ago, I didn’t foresee this situation arising,” Clarke said.
“However, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the experience of being head coach over the last three months. The support I’ve received from all areas, from the player group, fellow coaches and colleagues behind the scenes and from the board, together with that of the supporters, has been fantastic.
“As such I feel both humbled and honoured by the appointment.
“There is a strong ambition at the region which matches my own and that is to re-establish the Ospreys at the top level, initially in the Guinness PRO14 and then Europe.
“I’m highly motivated by the challenge and look forward to working with the coaching and management team to create an environment that provides individuals with the opportunity to flourish and for us, as a team, to realise our ambitions playing a brand of rugby that enthuses players and supporters alike.”
With a Champions Cup play-off coming up in May, Clarke can now begin planning in earnest for next season after being handed the reins on a full-time basis.
Andrew Millward, managing director of the Ospreys, confirmed the appointment.
He said: “When we began the search for a new head coach we said we were looking for someone who we considered to be ‘world-class’.
“For us, that meant we wanted someone able to get the best out of the assets available to them, someone with experience of creating a culture, an environment, and someone who had the respect of players and his coaching peers alike.
“We wanted someone with a technical and tactical appreciation of the game, good man-management and who felt a true part of the journey.
“In Allen, we strongly believe we have that person already working within the organisation. Vastly experienced, he has a passion for, and a proven track record, in developing talent, and he has enjoyed success as both a player and a coach, operating at club and international level.
“The impact he has made in a short time in his role as forwards coach is unquestionable. He has used the last three months to showcase both his ability and rugby philosophy further and has the full backing of the playing squad.
“We are delighted to have him as our new head coach and will be looking to strengthen his support team following this appointment.”
