By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Welsh Rugby Union has confirmed the appointment of Scotland defence coach Steve Tandy as their next permanent head coach.
Tandy will join from Scotland on September 1 and will lead Wales at the 2027 World Cup.
The length of Tandy’s Wales contract has not been disclosed but the WRU says he will be in charge until at least the 2027 World Cup in Australia, with the indication being the governing body seeing his appointment as a long-term move.
“Becoming head coach of my home country is a massive honour and a privilege,” said Tandy.
“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.”
The WRU has been looking for a permanent successor to Warren Gatland, who resigned during the Six Nations in February.
“We are delighted to appoint Steve as the new Wales head coach, “said WRU chief executive Abi Tierney.
“After a thorough and detailed appointment process, Steve emerged as the standout candidate and we know we have secured the very best coach for the job.
“This is a keystone appointment for us and an integral part of our five-year strategy as we look to achieve sustainable success for our senior men’s side.
“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.
“Our task now is to ensure Steve has the support and resources he needs to succeed in this role.”
Born in Tonmawr, Tandy played for local side Neath RFC and then Ospreys but was not capped by Wales.
The former back row will return to Wales after coaching Ospreys between 2012 and 2018.
He won the Celtic League title in his first season in charge of the Swansea-based region.
Tandy left Ospreys for a role with Australian side Waratahs, before linking up with Scotland in 2019.He also held a defence coach role with Gatland’s British and Irish Lions squad in South Africa in 2021.