Steve Tandy Appointed as Wales Head Coach Following Extensive Search

The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has officially appointed Steve Tandy as the new head coach of the Wales national rugby team, concluding a more than five-month search for a successor to Warren Gatland. Tandy, who has served as the defense coach for Scotland, will assume his new role on September 1, 2025, and is expected to lead the team through a critical rebuilding phase ahead of the 2027 World Cup.

Tandy's appointment comes after Gatland's departure during the Six Nations tournament, where interim coach Matt Sherratt led the team to a historic victory against Japan, ending an 18-match losing streak at the international level. Tandy, a former head coach of the Ospreys and a member of the British and Irish Lions coaching staff in 2021, expressed his excitement about returning to coach his home country. "Becoming head coach of my home country is a massive honour and a privilege," Tandy stated. "I look forward to playing a role in the rebuilding phase of Welsh rugby and taking the national team back to competing with the best countries in the world."

Abi Tierney, CEO of WRU, emphasized the significance of Tandy's appointment as a cornerstone of the WRU’s five-year strategy aimed at achieving sustainable success for the senior men's team. According to Tierney, Tandy emerged as the standout candidate following a thorough selection process, and his affinity with the young, talented players in the squad is expected to foster a positive environment conducive to growth. "Steve fits the bill in terms of the affinity he will be able to create with a young group of players with huge potential," Tierney noted.

Tandy's coaching experience includes a successful stint with the Ospreys from 2012 to 2018, where he led the team to a Pro12 title in his first season. His tenure at the Ospreys was marked by a focus on developing young talent and fostering a competitive team spirit. After leaving the Ospreys, Tandy worked with the Waratahs in Australia before joining the Scottish coaching staff under coach Gregor Townsend. Townsend praised Tandy for his contributions to Scottish rugby and expressed mixed emotions regarding his departure. "We are disappointed that he is leaving the national team coaching set-up, but we are also very proud of his achievements and the opportunity he now has to lead the country of his birth," Townsend remarked.

As Tandy prepares for the autumn campaign, which includes matches against Argentina, Japan, New Zealand, and South Africa, he will be tasked with revitalizing the Welsh squad and instilling a winning mentality. Former players and fans have reacted positively to Tandy's appointment, with many expressing hope for a successful rebuild of Welsh rugby. The WRU has yet to confirm Tandy's assistant coaching staff, but it is anticipated that some of the coaches from the recent Japan tour will be included in his backroom team.

In conclusion, Steve Tandy's appointment as head coach represents a new chapter for Welsh rugby as the team strives to reclaim its status among the top nations in the sport. The WRU's commitment to supporting Tandy in this endeavor will be crucial as Wales embarks on a challenging path towards future competitions, including the 2027 Rugby World Cup.