Steve Tandy was able to take over Warren Gatland as head coach of the Wales men’s team, sources confirmed to ESPN.
The 45-year-old currently exists as a defensive coach with Scotland and is currently under contract until 2026.
If Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) can persuade Tandy to take on the role of head coach, then they will need to agree on a compensation package with the Scotland Rugby Union, and it is unlikely that Tandy will be led to Wales’ summer tour of Japan.
News of WRU’s interest in Tandy comes during turbulence in Welsh rugby. The men’s national team has suffered 17 bounce losses.
Gatland left Wales after two matches with the Six Nations in 2025, and was provisionally replaced by Cardiff’s Matt Shellatt, but was unable to snap a Wales winning streak.
The interest in Tandy is due to WRU’s aim to overhaul its rugby management structure. WRU is expected to move first this week to confirm Dave Reddin will be appointed as new director of rugby, ahead of the announcement over Gatland’s successor.
Tandy appeared as a favorite after several other names were linked to vacant rooms, but has yet to sign any deals. Michael Cheika, Danny Wilson, Simon Easterby and Franco Smith were also mentioned in the post, but it’s Tandy in Paul’s position.
Tandy played regional rugby in the Welsh system and coached Ospreys from 2012 to 2018. He joined Scotland as a defensive coach in 2019 and was part of the backroom staff for the British & Ireland Lions on the 2021 South Africa tour, where he worked for Gatland.
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