Steve Tandy: There’s no magic wand or quick fix but Wales have to be a collective
Tandy - who was part of the British and Irish Lions coaching staff in 2021 - is now in the Wales hot seat
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Steve Tandy was officially unveiled as Wales’ new head coach on Thursday afternoon.
The 45-year-old joins the WRU after six years as Scotland’s defence coach following a stint with the Waratahs in Super Rugby. He was also part of Warren Gatland's backroom staff on the British and Irish Lions’ 2021 tour of South Africa.
This will be Tandy’s first role in Wales since departing the Ospreys in 2018, where he spent nearly six years as head coach of the region.
Wales have endured a turbulent couple of years, suffering an 18-match losing run and winning only once since the 2023 Rugby World Cup - a victory over Japan last month.
“Massive pride and an honour”
The Welshman spoke about the honour of coaching his national side and the appointment process.
"The privilege and the honour to be head coach of your national country is massive," Tandy said.
"Being in the changing rooms is even better. I’ve got huge pride as a sense of family, and what a great rugby nation it is.
"Me as a person, loving coaching so much and the journey I’ve been on from my time at the Ospreys, going to the Waratahs, I think that’s given me experience and the people I’ve come across is going to enable me to be part of this opportunity to rebuild Welsh rugby with an exciting group of young players.
"There’s a path we’re going to go on and the journey we’re going to go on, but I think the coaching experience and the experiences I have had on the other side of the world - and from different environments - will hold me in good stead."
The new head coach was asked about taking over the national side during their lowest ebb, with Wales now down to 12th in the world rankings.
"I don’t think it’s a magic wand, it’s being connected," he said. "Obviously [I have been] speaking to Abi [WRU chief executive Abi Tierney] and Dave [WRU director of rugby & elite performance Dave Reddin] in and around the vision of where we want to go to and how to get Wales to where we want to be.
"For me, it’s going to be collective and I think that goes back to part of what I believe in is collaborative and building systems, but also engaging not only the national team, but the 20s programme, the regions and the community.
"It is a challenge, but every nation has challenges as well, but I think that’s what’s exciting about where we want to go to.”
Tandy Being Reminded of His Roots
Before being appointed Ospreys head coach in 2012, Steve Tandy cut his teeth coaching at local level. He recently returned to his roots at Tonmawr to watch the final Test of the British & Irish Lions series against Australia.
“We came back from New Zealand on the Wednesday and we had arranged to come down to see family anyway, long story short," Tandy explained.
"I went up the rugby club to watch the third Test in the morning with my brother and loads of my mates, it was awesome!
Because that’s where your roots are from, and that’s the brilliant part about Wales and the community part of it that leads to that game out there.
"I’ve got massive pride in my roots and where I come from because that is what gave me the passion and energy to play the game. I remember my first coach. When I think back to the amount of energy and motivation he gave [me] to play the game, the fun you had as a kid. His sons were there as well, so it was a real great moment.
"But it doesn’t last long when you’re from a village like Tonmawr. They rip into you after a handshake and they’re all massively proud, but then it’s back to making it fun and being a proper rugby club."
The Return of LRZ
Tandy also spoke about the return of Louis Rees-Zammit, who last week announced his comeback to rugby union following a stint in the NFL. The new Wales coach joked that he may have played a part in influencing the winger’s decision.
"You can kid yourself that was my impact!” said Tandy. "I think you wouldn’t rule anything out. Zammo brings a big effect and excitement by coming back.
"I think it’s great for the game. He’s gone away to experience something new which is class. I’m sure he will be in outstanding physical condition.
"The more players we have available to represent our country, the better. That’s exciting and makes our jobs easier.
"It will also make our calls on selection a lot more challenging in terms of selection as we’ve already got some very good back three players.”
Tandy also shared how he found out about the news. "My oldest daughter told me, that was a bit worrying.
“She said ‘Zammit’s coming home!’ And I was like ‘Aaaaaargh. Give me the phone!’ That was how I found out.
"As a coach, you daydream. Coming back, you’re obviously looking at what you’ve got. And then you look at what you could have.
"It’s obviously a great boost for him, the game and the fans. It’s great.”
Tandy will officially start his role as Wales head coach on September 1 and will prepare for autumn internationals against Argentina, Japan, New Zealand and South Africa.
