Steve Tandy named new Wales head coach in major WRU announcement: Live updates

Steve Tandy has been appointed the new head coach of Wales' national team after a lengthy search process finally confirmed Warren Gatland's replacement.

The Scotland defence coach, who was previously the head coach of the Ospreys, will start in his role in September. Gatland quit his second stint in charge of Wales midway through the Six Nations, with Cardiff coach Matt Sherratt taking charge on an interim basis for the last five Tests - ending the 18-match losing run at international level with the recent win over Japan in Kobe.

Tandy, who also coached with the British and Irish Lions in South Africa in 2021, has just been with Scotland for their summer matches against New Zealand Maori, Fiji and Samoa. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby.

Now, he will take over Wales in his first head coaching role at Test level - starting with the autumn campaign against Argentina, Japan, New Zealand and South Africa.

“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.”

Tandy is understood to have agreed a long-term deal with the Welsh Rugby Union beyond the 2027 World Cup, with there being a recognition that this is a long-term rebuild ahead.

No assistant coaches have been announced yet, although WalesOnline