Steve Tandy leaves Scotland to take up Wales head coach role

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - OCTOBER 28: Scotland Defence Coach Steve Tandy during a Scotland training session at the Oriam, on October 28, 2024, in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group)

He will lead Wales going into the Quilter Nations Series in November.

Tandy joined Scotland ahead of the 2020 Guinness Six Nations and has played an instrumental role in the development of the national team’s defence in recent years.

Following an instant impact in his role with Scotland he was selected to join the British & Irish Lions tour of South Africa in 2021.

Tandy previously coached the Waratahs and Ospreys where he won the PRO12 in 2012.

Upon leaving the national team’s coaching set-up Steve Tandy said: “I have loved my time with the Scotland national team and it is a really tough decision to leave.

“I have built up a great relationship with the players and management within the national team and I am proud of the progress achieved since I joined.

“Not only have I loved my time in Scotland, but also the way everyone welcomed my family and made them feel at home has been amazing and will be something I’ll never forget.

“The chance to manage the Welsh national team was an opportunity I was unable to turn down, but I leave with a heavy heart and would like to thank everyone I have worked with at Scottish Rugby who have made my time here so memorable.”

Scotland head coach, Gregor Townsend, said: “We’re sorry to see Steve go because he’s had a really positive influence on Scottish Rugby. Firstly, with the players that he’s worked with and developed, and secondly the work he’s done with the team, turning them into one of the best defensive sides in the world. As coaches we have loved working and learning from him.

“He has helped me massively in my role and he’s been someone I’ve leaned on for advice. We’ve worked together on various ways of improving the environment and the team over the years.

“It’ll be sad not having him with us anymore but it’s also a massive honour for him to become the head coach of his home country.

“It’s very deserved as he’s an excellent coach with varied experiences including international rugby for the last five years and we wish him all the best.”

Scottish Rugby Chief Executive, Alex Williamson, said: “Steve is an extremely popular and talented coach and so we have really mixed emotions. We are disappointed that he is leaving the national team coaching set-up given his invaluable contribution since 2020, but we are also very proud of his achievements and the opportunity he now has to lead the country of his birth. At Scottish Rugby we aim to have the best coaches in the world and Steve is certainly one of them.

“We have worked closely with Abi Tierney and her team at the Welsh Rugby Union to allow Steve to join them and recruitment for a suitable replacement is under way. We hope to have someone in place ahead of the Quilter Nations Series in November and look forward to seeing Steve in Cardiff during the Guinness Six Nations.”