Wales announce much-needed addition to coaching team

Wales will have a new full-time defence coach for the inaugural Nations Championship, with Pete Murchie coming on board once the Japan Rugby League One season is over at the start of June.

Murchie, who is currently defence coach of Kobelco Kobe Steelers, knows Wales head coach Steve Tandy from their time together in Scotland.

The former Glasgow Warriors player and Scotland international began his coaching career in 2017 as a national academy coach with the Scottish Rugby Union and was part of the Scotland U20 coaching team.

Prior to joining the Steelers in July 2025, Murchie coached at Glasgow Warriors for five years, firstly as skills coach and then defence coach, the role he held when the Warriors won the United Rugby Championship title in 2024.

He was appointed defence coach of the Scotland national team for the summer tour of Georgia and Romania in 2021 and coached Scotland A in their match against the Chile national team in November 2024.

Wales have been using Dan Lydiate as defence coach on a part-time basis during the Six Nations, but the need for a full-time appointment has been pressing.

Under Tandy, Wales have conceded 328 points in seven Tests at an average of 47 per game.

“It’s great to welcome Pete to the coaching team. He is a really talented coach with a great style and mindset. He’ll be a real asset for us as a group and I can’t wait for him to join us this summer to help shape the squad’s development as we head into the Nations Championship,” said Tandy.

Speaking about his appointment Murchie added: “I have enjoyed the experience of coaching and living in Kobe. Working with world class players and coaching group has been excellent.

“The opportunity to move into international rugby with Wales, where there are so many exciting competitions on the horizon was something that me and my family are hugely excited about.

“Steve was a huge driver for me, I know he is a world class coach and we have worked together closely before. I am looking forward to joining up with the squad in the summer and getting to work.”

WRU Director of Rugby and Elite Performance Dave Reddin said: “We’re delighted to add Pete to the full-time Wales coaching team alongside Steve, Matt (Sherratt) and Danny (Wilson). As someone who knows and understands Steve’s defensive philosophy, I know he will quickly add value as we build towards Rugby World Cup 2027.”