'Standout candidate' Steve Tandy appointed as new Wales head coach

Steve Tandy will lead Wales into the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia as the team’s new head coach.

Tandy, who takes up the role on September 1st, will take on the huge challenge of reviving Wales’ fortunes now that his time as defence coach of Scotland is over.

The 45-year-old Welshman also includes the 2021 Lions tour, a spell at Australian Super Rugby side NSW Waratahs and a six-year stint as head coach of the Ospreys on his coaching CV.

Wales have been looking for a long-term successor to Warren Gatland, since the New Zealander left the position by mutual consent after the opening two rounds of the 2025 Guinness Six Nations.

Matt Sherratt took over as interim head coach for the remaining three matches of the championship, as Wales were whitewashed, before overseeing the 1-1 series draw with Japan.

“We are delighted to appoint Steve as the new Wales head coach,” said WRU CEO Abi Tierney.

“After a thorough and detailed appointment process. Steve emerged as the standout candidate, and we know we have secured the very best coach for the job.

“This is a keystone appointment for us and an integral part of our five-year strategy as we look to achieve sustainable success for our senior men’s side.

“Steve fits the bill in terms of the affinity he will be able to create with a young group of players with huge potential, but also the galvanising effect we know he can have on the whole rugby ecosystem as a proud Welshman .

“Our task now is to ensure Steve has the support and resources he needs to succeed in this role.”

The one-time Bridgend and Neath flanker made over 100 appearances for the Ospreys before converting to coaching full-time and graduated to head coach of the regional club between 2012 and 2018.

In his opening season with the Ospreys Tandy lifted the Pro 12 (now URC) title when his side beat then reigning European Champions Leinster by a point (31-30) in the final in Dublin.

During his time coaching in Wales he would take the Ospreys to a further two semi-finals of the same competition, losing out to Munster on both occasions.

“Becoming head coach of my home country is a massive honour and a privilege,” said Tandy.

“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.

“I am excited about the potential of Welsh rugby and the group of young, hardworking players we have.

“The autumn fixtures represent a huge opportunity and gives us a chance to test ourselves against some of the best teams in world rugby.”

WRU Director of Rugby and Elite Performance Dave Reddin added: “Steve’s coaching journey and the approach he has taken to his own learning and development since leaving the Ospreys really impressed us during the interview process.

“He embodies the collaborative and systematic approach to building success that I want to instil across our high-performance system.

“Steve is an excellent coach with the motivation and curiosity to continue to learn and develop very much a part of his DNA; these are hugely important characteristics for everyone in our system.

“He brings a wealth of experience, a unique understanding of Wales and the young talent we have at our disposal and a huge amount of passion and desire to excel in the role.

“Steve is a vital part of the future strategy for success in Welsh rugby and I will ensure he has the space, time and support to realise the potential of the exciting group of players he will have at his disposal.”