Steve Tandy has been backed to restore Welsh pride on the international stage - and lead the country back into the world’s top five - after signing a three-year deal as Wales head coach.
Tandy was unveiled as the new head coach of Wales on Monday, taking the reins on a three-year deal as the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) sets their sights on rebuilding the national team and reclaiming a spot among the global elite.
The 45-year-old Welshman, who leaves his post as Scotland's defence coach, will officially begin his tenure on September 1.
Tandy steps into the role vacated by Warren Gatland earlier this year and assumes the responsibility of reviving a side that has slumped to 12th in the world rankings and endured a winless Six Nations campaign for the second consecutive year.
"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 WRU, under the direction of new performance boss Dave Reddin, conducted a global search involving around 130 candidates before narrowing in on Tandy, who has built a reputation as a diligent and evolving coach.
His journey has included leading the Ospreys to a Pro12 title in 2012, coaching stints with the Waratahs, and defensive duties with both Scotland and the British & Irish Lions.
"Steve is an outstanding coach," said Reddin.
"I think his coaching journey shows someone that has been unafraid to really push himself into some uncomfortable experiences and really challenge the way that he was operating as a coach and develop as a result."
Cardiff coach Matt Sherratt had been filling in as interim head coach since Gatland’s departure, guiding Wales to an encouraging 22-17 win over Japan in Kobe earlier this month that finally snapped an 18-match losing streak — the longest ever for a Tier One nation.
Tandy’s first matches in charge will come in the autumn series, where Wales face a daunting schedule against Argentina, Japan, New Zealand, and South Africa.
WRU director of rugby Dave Reddin.
The fixtures are being framed as a vital barometer for the rebuilding project ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
"The autumn fixtures represent a huge opportunity and gives us a chance to test ourselves against some of the best teams in world rugby," Tandy said.
WRU CEO Abi Tierney emphasised the long-term nature of the appointment and the belief that Tandy is the right man to unify and re-energise Welsh rugby.
“We are delighted to appoint Steve as the new Wales head coach,” Tierney said.
“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.”
Tandy, who hails from Tonmawr near Neath, becomes the first homegrown head coach of the men’s national team since Gareth Jenkins in 2007.
Since then, the job has been held by New Zealanders Gatland and Wayne Pivac.
Reddin acknowledged the symbolic power of appointing a proud Welshman to the role but stressed that performance would ultimately define the success of Tandy’s reign.
"It will make a difference in how he's perceived – positive and negative," said Reddin.
"On the surface it's great to have someone who has a natural affinity with their country. Ultimately that only goes so far, as it's about performances and the philosophy matching the expectations of the national public and what they want to see from their rugby team."
Though his assistant coaching team has yet to be confirmed, several members of the recent tour staff in Japan — including Danny Wilson, Gethin Jenkins, and Leigh Halfpenny — are believed to be in contention to remain part of the setup.
Reddin, who rewrote the head coach job description after his own arrival, underlined that the WRU’s approach is now rooted in building strong systems rather than relying solely on individual brilliance.
"I'm not a believer in unicorns," Reddin said.
"Whilst the head coach is a key appointment and clearly they're the person out front, I believe that systems ultimately win long term, not just coaches."
Tandy’s appointment signals what the Union are praying will be the beginning of a new era.
"Can we be a real, genuine, top five nation who are constantly competing for Six Nations titles, who are capable of mixing it with the best in the world? 100 per cent," added Reddin.
"Otherwise, I wouldn't be here. I don't think anybody gets inspired by a team that says, ‘well, we're going to rock up and do our best.’ Especially a passionate rugby nation like Wales, I think we've got to be more ambitious than that."
