Former Ospreys coach and current Scotland defence coach, Steve Tandy, has emerged as the leading candidate for the Wales head coach position. Tandy’s coaching career began with Bridgend RFC, where he led his team to the Division 1 title before taking over as the head coach for Ospreys in 2012. During his tenure, he guided Ospreys to the Pro12 title in the same season. After leaving Ospreys in 2018, Tandy worked as a defence coach for the NSW Waratahs in Australia before joining the Scotland national team.
Tandy’s success with Scotland has garnered attention, leading to considerations for the Wales head coach role. If appointed, he may bring in familiar faces like Harlequins coach and former Cardiff player, Danny Wilson, as the forwards coach. Another potential addition to the coaching team could be Cardiff coach Matt Sherratt, who impressed while leading Wales in the Six Nations. Sherratt’s experience and relationship with Tandy and Wilson make him a possible candidate for various coaching positions within the national team setup.
The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has been proactive in its search for Gatland’s successor, with CEO Abi Tierney mentioning a shortlist already in place. Alongside Tandy, names like Pat Lam, Simon Easterby, Franco Smith, and Stuart Lancaster are also under consideration. Tierney indicated the importance of finding a new head coach promptly, especially with the upcoming summer tour to Japan. However, contractual obligations may necessitate an interim coaching plan for the tour while the permanent head coach recruitment process unfolds.
The potential appointment of a new director of rugby, Dave Reddin, could further shape the coaching structure within the Welsh national team. Tandy’s background in Welsh rugby and his coaching successes with Scotland make him a compelling choice for the head coach role. The continuity and cohesion among the coaching staff, including the likes of Wilson and Sherratt, could provide a seamless transition and ensure a robust coaching setup for Wales ahead of future competitions.
As the speculation around Tandy’s candidacy grows, anticipation builds within the Welsh rugby community regarding the potential coaching reshuffle. With a strong coaching pedigree and a history of success in both regional and international setups, Tandy represents a solid option to lead Wales into a new era. The coming months are set to be pivotal for Welsh rugby as decisions on coaching appointments take shape, setting the stage for the national team’s future performances and aspirations on the global stage.