There were more than 100 names on the Welsh Rugby Union’s list of potential successors to one of their greatest icons. And 160 days since Warren Gatland was handed his marching orders after a dismal 14-Test losing streak, Steve Tandy has won the race to be Wales’ next head coach.
This is the story of why they chose Tandy, and why they believe he is the man to lead them into the World Cup in Australia in just over two years’ time.
For many, the appointment of the 45-year-old – the first Welsh coach of Wales since 2007 – is a touch underwhelming. But given their poor sporting performance in the last two years and financial issues, the WRU could never have realistically attracted a big hitter in the mould of Gatland.
That is not necessarily a bad thing, however. Only time will tell as to whether Tandy is a success or not. But what is certain right now is that Wales couldn’t have realistically done much better. Given the circumstances, Tandy is a sound hire and one which provides some stability at a time of crisis.
‘The chance to manage the Welsh national team was an opportunity I was unable to turn down,’ said the former Ospreys and Neath flanker yesterday.
Tandy, who will leave his role as Scotland defence coach after six years, has signed a three-year contract and will join Wales on September 1. His first task is the autumn internationals against Argentina, Japan, New Zealand and South Africa, and the World Cup is the long-term target.
Steve Tandy is a solid hire for Wales after years of instability, and 160 days without a permanent head coach
Tandy, 45, leaves his role as Scotland defence coach after an impressive six years
Wales is no easy job right now and Tandy is in for a bumpy ride before he can even think about heading to Australia in two years’ time. The national team have had an awful two years, losing 18 straight Tests before that horror sequence came to an end in Japan this month.
Behind the scenes, the WRU is undertaking a radical consultation and review which is likely to end with it cutting the number of its professional club sides from four to two. Tandy will join at a point of significant upheaval.
But his knowledge of Welsh rugby – he had success coaching at domestic level in his homeland during a six-year spell with the Ospreys – and subsequent experiences overseas mean he is no mug. There are reasons to be positive about his appointment. And God knows Welsh rugby needs cause for cheer.
Tandy was an assistant coach with the British & Irish Lions in South Africa in 2021, worked in Australia with the New South Wales Waratahs, and has delivered a hard edge to Scotland’s defence. Since Tandy teamed up with head coach Gregor Townsend, Scotland’s results have improved markedly.
‘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.’
It has taken the WRU five months to replace Gatland, who departed after just two games of this year’s Six Nations. It has been a long and complex saga, with Cardiff boss Matt Sherratt taking on the job on an interim basis. But after much delay, Tandy is a solid choice. It is likely that the popular Sherratt will continue under the new boss as attack coach.
Tandy’s experience is not to be sniffed at. He will be heavily involved in the likely reduction of professional teams, although it also remains to be seen as to whether that will help or hinder Wales’ chances of success.
Tandy spent his playing career with Neath and Ospreys as a flanker, but never won an international cap
Wales finally ended their 18-Test losing streak last week with a 31-22 win over Japan in Kobe
‘Collaboration is a quality I think Steve has,’ said WRU director of rugby Dave Reddin. ‘That’s something we want to embody across the whole system because it should be a fundamental competitive advantage for Wales. We have to say, given where we are, that we can’t continue the way we’ve been. It would be the height of madness to think one coaching appointment is going to change the outcome.’
Asked if Tandy faced an impossible job, Reddin responded: ‘I’d fundamentally disagree. Are Wales going to be consistently ranked as the No 1 team in the world for the next 10 years? No, I don’t think so. But can we be a top-five nation who are constantly competing for Six Nations titles and capable of mixing it with the best in the world? 100 per cent.’
Given how far Wales have fallen – the streak-snapping win in Japan pulled them up three places in the world rankings, but only to 12th – if Tandy can take the team back into the top five in the next three years he will have worked miracles. Doing so will be a tough ask.
But finally there is stability, finally there is a head coach. At last in Welsh rugby, decisive action has been taken.
