Struggling Wales hire Tandy as new head coach

Wales appointed Steve Tandy as their head coach on Monday, with the former Scotland assistant facing a major rebuilding job after his new team’s record-setting decline.

Tandy is tasked with reviving Wales’ fortunes in time for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

Wales were on a record 18-match losing run before finally ending that dismal streak on July 12 with a 31-22 victory over Japan in Kobe.

Tandy will become the permanent successor to Warren Gatland on September 1 following almost six years as Scotland’s defence coach.

The 45-year-old Welshman’s first match in charge will be on November 9 against Argentina in Cardiff.

Wales also face Japan, New Zealand and world champions South Africa in the November internationals.

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

“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.”

Tandy was head coach of Ospreys between 2012 and 2018, which included winning the PRO12 title in his first season, before serving as defence coach for Australian side the Waratahs.

The former flanker was also part of Gatland’s backroom staff for the British and Irish Lions’ tour of South Africa in 2021.

Welsh Rugby Union chief executive Abi Tierney said: “This is a keystone appointment for us. 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.”

Gatland’s second spell as Wales boss ended in February after a 22-15 defeat to Italy in the second round of the Six Nations.

Matt Sherratt took over on a temporary basis and oversaw defeats by Ireland, Scotland and England before leading the two-match tour of Japan, which began on July 5 with a 24-19 loss in Kitakyushu before the losing streak was broken a week later.