Steve Tandy appointed Wales head coach

Steve Tandy has been officially appointed as the new head coach of the Wales national rugby team, taking over from Warren Gatland.

The 45-year-old Welshman will assume charge on September 1 and is expected to guide the team through a critical rebuilding phase leading into the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

Tandy joins after nearly six years as defence coach for Scotland, where he gained widespread praise for his tactical discipline and defensive structures.

His appointment comes as Wales looks to recover from a difficult spell, which included a record 18-match losing streak that ended with a 31-22 victory over Japan on July 12 in Kobe.

Tandy’s first match as head coach will be against Argentina in Cardiff this November, followed by high-profile encounters with Japan, New Zealand, and reigning world champions South Africa.

Speaking on the announcement, Tandy said, “Becoming head coach of my home country is a massive honour and a privilege. I am looking 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.”

Gatland’s second stint in charge ended in February following a 22-15 defeat to Italy in the Six Nations. Interim head coach Matt Sherratt stepped in for the remainder of the season, overseeing losses to Ireland, Scotland, and England, as well as a narrow tour defeat to Japan before the final win in Kobe.

Born in Tonmawr, Tandy previously coached the Ospreys between 2012 and 2018, winning the Pro12 title in his first season.

He later worked with the Waratahs in Australia and was a member of Gatland’s coaching group during the 2021 British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa.

Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) chief executive Abi Tierney expressed confidence in the appointment, calling Tandy “the standout candidate” after a thorough selection process.

“This is a keystone appointment for us. Steve fits the bill in terms of the affinity he will create with a young group of players and the wider rugby ecosystem.”