Steve Tandy: New Wales coach looks to revive Welsh rugby

Steve Tandy Takes the Helm of Wales with Ambition

The new Wales head coach, Steve Tandy, has expressed his determination to restore national pride in the team, following a period of decline in the world rankings. Tandy, a native of Tonmawr and former player and coach of the Ospreys, returns to Wales after six years as Scotland’s defense coach. Tandy becomes the first Welshman to lead the national team since 2007, at a time when Wales has dropped to 12th in the world rankings and had accumulated 17 consecutive losses before defeating Japan last month in the last match of Matt Sherratt’s interim period.

“The privilege and honor of being head coach of your country is enormous,” Tandy stated.

Steve Tandy

Tandy also highlighted the importance of family and pride in the rugby nation, describing the feeling as an “absolute honor”. Wales, who were semi-finalists in the 2019 World Cup under Warren Gatland, won the Six Nations in 2021 with Wayne Pivac in charge. However, Pivac’s performance declined rapidly, and Gatland’s return did not improve the situation, culminating in his departure during the 2025 Six Nations. The Welsh Rugby Union aims for Wales to be positioned among the top five teams in the world by 2029.

“I believe in the talent we have in Wales to take us where we want to go. There will be no magic wand or quick fix, but I believe in the path,” Tandy added.

Steve Tandy

Tandy emphasized the need to build performances gradually, seeking improvements in each campaign and leveraging the potential of the current team. During his six-year stay at the Ospreys, Tandy won the Pro12 competition, before leaving in 2018. He worked with the NSW Waratahs in Australia before joining Scotland, and Gatland appointed him as defense coach on the 2021 British and Irish Lions tour of South Africa.

• Andy Farrell, does he deserve to return as coach of the British and Irish Lions?
• Richie Mo’unga confirms his return to New Zealand
• David Porecki, Wallabies star, announces his retirement from rugby

“What has really driven me from the start is wanting to be the best person and the best coach possible,” Tandy concluded.

Steve Tandy

Tandy will begin his role on September 1st and will prepare for the autumn home matches against Argentina, Japan, New Zealand, and South Africa. He will work on setting up his technical team alongside WRU’s performance director, Dave Reddin, describing the situation as a “blank canvas” following the departure of Gethin Jenkins (defense), Danny Wilson (forwards), Adam Jones (scrum), Rhys Thomas (assistant forwards coach), and Leigh Halfpenny (kicking), who assisted Sherratt in Japan.