Wales appoint former prop Paul James as full-time scrum coach

Former international Paul James has been appointed as Wales men’s full-time scrum coach, having served in the role in an interim basis during the 2026 Six Nations.

Currently with the Ospreys, James will start his new role with Wales this summer as the squad prepares for the inaugural Nations Championship which kicks off in July.

As part of Steve Tandy’s coaching team during national squad camps, James will work closely with Danny Wilson who has responsibility for the lineout and contact area.

James won 66 caps for Wales, playing at the 2011 and 2015 Rugby World Cups and featuring in the 2012 Grand Slam and 2013 Six Nations Championship successes.

He also made 232 appearances for the Ospreys, second on the all-time list for the club, winning four Championship titles and one EDF Energy Cup.

He has been coaching with his former club since December 2018 as part of their academy set up, winning the U18s Regional Age Grade Championship in 2023, 2025 and 2026.

James was also scrum and set piece coach for Wales U20 in 2021 and has been coaching Swansea in Super Rygbi Cymru for the past three seasons.

“I’m delighted to have Paul joining us this summer as we get ready to compete in the new Nations Championship and would like to thank the Ospreys for their support in facilitating his release, enabling him to join our coaching setup in time for our summer matches,” said Steve Tandy, Wales head coach.

“It was impressive how quickly Paul got up to speed at short notice during the Six Nations and we’re excited to have him with us now full-time.? Paul is a great coach and I know he will give his all to help accelerate the development of our young squad.”

Speaking about his appointment James added: “I’ve loved my time at Ospreys and Swansea but this is an incredible opportunity and it’s a huge honour to be joining the Wales coaching team.

“It was great to work with Steve and the group during the Six Nations and I can’t wait to get back in and build on that. I’m also looking forward to the other side of the role and being able to continue developing players outside of camp.”

WRU Director of Rugby and Elite Performance Dave Reddin said: “I’m delighted to welcome Paul as the outstanding candidate we interviewed in a highly competitive process. He impressed us both as a person and a coach and I know he will add a huge amount to Steve’s team now as well as our Welsh Rugby DNA in the future.”