Wales Appoint Steve Tandy As New Head Coach To Launch The Post-gatland Era

Wales person appointed Steve Tandy arsenic their caller caput coach. The 45-year-old Welshman will go nan imperishable successor to Warren Gatland connected 1 September pursuing almost six years arsenic Scotland’s defence coach.

Tandy is tasked pinch reviving his country’s fortunes aft their grounds 18-match losing tally yet ended connected 12 July pinch a 31-22 triumph complete Japan successful Kobe. His first lucifer successful complaint will beryllium connected Sunday 9 November against Argentina successful Cardiff, which will beryllium followed by meetings pinch Japan, New Zealand and nan world champions, South Africa, connected nan pursuing 3 weekends.

“Becoming caput coach of my location state is simply a monolithic honour and a privilege,” said Tandy, who will lead Wales into nan 2027 Rugby World Cup successful Australia.

“I americium looking guardant to playing a domiciled successful nan rebuilding shape of Welsh rugby and taking nan nationalist squad backmost to competing pinch nan champion countries successful nan world. I americium excited astir nan imaginable of Welsh rugby and nan group of young, hard-working players we have.”

Gatland’s 2nd spell arsenic Wales leader ended successful February connected nan backmost of a 22-15 conclusion to Italy successful nan 2nd information of this year’s Six Nations. Matt Sherratt took complete connected a impermanent ground and oversaw defeats to Ireland, Scotland and England earlier starring this summer’s two-match circuit of Japan, which began connected 5 July pinch a 24-19 nonaccomplishment successful Kitakyushu.

Tonmawr-born Tandy was caput coach of Ospreys betwixt 2012 and 2018, which included winning nan PRO12 title successful his first season, earlier serving arsenic defence coach for Australian broadside nan Waratahs.

The erstwhile flanker was besides portion of Gatland’s backroom unit for nan British and Irish Lions’ circuit of South Africa successful 2021.

Welsh Rugby Union main executive, Abi Tierney, said: “After a thorough and elaborate assignment process, Steve emerged arsenic nan standout candidate, and we cognize we person secured nan very champion coach for nan job. This is simply a keystone assignment for america and an integral portion of our five-year strategy arsenic we look to execute sustainable occurrence for our elder men’s side.

“Steve fits nan measure successful position of nan affinity he will beryllium capable to create pinch a young group of players pinch immense potential, but besides nan galvanising effect we cognize he tin person connected nan full rugby ecosystem arsenic a proud Welshman. Our task now is to guarantee Steve has nan support and resources he needs to win successful this role.”